This contract action is for the acquisition of services for which the Government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source under the authority and procedures of Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subpart 13.106-1(b). The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), Office of Acquisitions (OA) intends to award a single source purchase order to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Eicosanoid Core Laboratory, 465 21st Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37232-0011for the analysis of Urinary F2-Isoprostanes samples. The Division of Intramural Research (DIR), Epidemiology Branch, requires this analysis to examine oxidative stress biomarkers as a potential mediator in these relationships. Specifically, the Epidemiology Branch will investigate the association between 1) phthalate exposure and oxidative stress biomarkers; 2) the relationship between oxidative stress and semen quality; and 3) the relationship between oxidative stress and antral follicle count, an indicator of female fertility.

It has been determined that Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Eicosanoid Core Laboratory is the only source that can perform the required services, as they have developed and optimized methods for oxidative stress and specifically F2-isoprostane measurement. The Eicosanoid Core Laboratory's unique methods are the most sensitive and specific for measurement of 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α and prostaglandin F2α, and this is the only laboratory that has optimized methods for measuring the potentially important F2-isoprostane metabolite in a high throughput manner.

The anticipated period of performance will be for three (3) months.

The associated North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) code for this procurement is 541380 "Laboratory Testing (except medical, veterinary) Services". Its associated Small Business Size Standard is $15,000,000.00.

Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Eicosanoid Core Laboratory will analyze 258 urine samples for concentrations of 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α, 2,3-dinor-5,6-dihydro-15-F2t-isoprostane (primary F2-isoprostane metabolite), and prostaglandin F2α via established gas chromatographic/negative ion chemical ionization mass spectrometric (GC/NICI‐MS) methods.

Line Item 0001 - Urinary F2-Isoprostanes Analysis; Quantity: 258 Samples

NIEHS will solicit and negotiate directly with Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Eicosanoid Core Laboratory, and no solicitation will be issued. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals or quotations; however, if an interested party believes they can meet the above requirement, all responsible sources may submit a quotation which shall be considered by the agency. The quotation must be submitted in writing and must contain material in sufficient detail to allow the Government to determine if the party can perform the requirement. Offerors must have an active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) www.sam.gov. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed requirement based on responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. All interested parties must express their interest or quotation in writing via email to [email protected] within ten (10) days after the date of publication of this notice. No faxed documents will be accepted. If no responsive statements or quotations are received within ten (10) days, an award will be made to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Eicosanoid Core Laboratory.