Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory services needed to analyze serum chemistry

The National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Acquisition & Grants Office, Western Acquisition Division-Boulder, intends to negotiate, on a sole source basis, under authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)( i ), with the  Phoenix Central Laboratory, 4338 Harbour Point Blvd. S.W., Mukilteo, WA 98275 for sample analysis to conduct diagnostic chemistry of serum analytes.The sole source determination is based on the National Marine Fisheries Service’s (NMFS) requirement for veterinary diagnostic laboratory services needed to analyze serum chemistry profiles of archived frozen serum samples collected for health assessment of Alaskan pinnipeds. The MML Alaska Ecosystem Program (AEP) monitors the health and condition of endangered Steller sea lions and depleted northern fur seals to address hypotheses for their population declines. Analysis of blood samples provides detailed biochemical and physiological data related to the health of an individual. Recent serum samples were collected

from Steller sea lion pups primarily within the areas of greatest decline (western-central Aleutian Islands).At a minimum, chemistry profiles will include the following analytes: glucose (serum), BUN, creatinine, sodium, potassium, sodium/potassium ratio, chloride, carbon dioxide, anion gap, calcium, phosphorus, calculated osmolality, total protein, albumin, globulin, albumin/globulin ratio, total bilirubin, ALP (alkaline phosphatase), ALT (alanine aminotransferase), AST (aspartate transaminase), GGT (gamma-glutamyltransferase), and cholesterol.Due to the nature of how clinical analyses are performed, different clinical laboratories provide slightly different values for analytes depending on the types of equipment and methodologies used. Our research protocol thus requires using a single laboratory to ensure comparability with previous samples that have been analyzed. Phoenix Central Laboratory is the only contractor that meets this requirement.This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals and no solicitation package is available. However, firms that believe they can fully meet the Government's requirements may submit substantiating documentation in writing to the identified point of contact within 15 days after publication of this synopsis. Such documentation will be evaluated solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct this procurement on a competitive basis. A determination by the Government not to conduct a competitive procurement, based upon responses to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the government. Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice.