Research - Conditional Mouse FAP Knockout Model for Mice - Pre-solicitation Notice of Intent to Sole source

Pre-Solicitation Notice for notice of intent to award a sole source contract. This is not a solicitation. The Department of Veterans Affairs intends to negotiate a sole source contract for a six (6) month research project with Taconic Biosciences, Inc., 1 Discovery Dr, Rensselaer, NY 12144 to generate and provide three TurboKnockout heterozygous mutant mice, that are genetically modified for lab research with conditional knockout of FAP model genetic mice strain C57BL/6J.

The mice are for use in research projects evaluating strategic genetic mouse models of FAP ablation and to perform preliminary studies on pharmacological FAP inhibition, for the Veterans Health Administration, Columbia VA Health Care System, WJB Dorn VA Medical Center, Research & Development. Taconic Biosciences specializes in creation of genetically engineered rodent model line (FAP).

VA researchers and investigators have worked with and collaborated with Taconic Biosciences for VA and University of South Carolina studies. Using a different vendor would jeopardize the integrity of the researcher s experimentation for the research protocol design and structure. The genetic background of mice vary from vendor to vendor and any changes would cause excessive costs and substantial delays to the research study.

Taconic Bioscience is the only company that can provide the specialized conditional knockout of FAP Model Genetic Mice. Since the intent is to procure this on a sole source basis, no solicitation will be posted to FedBizOps (FBO). The applicable NAICS code is 112990 with a $2.75 Mil size standard. The PSC is 8820. The authority for this action is FAR 6.302.1-1 Only One Responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements.

Interested persons may contact the Contracting Officer via email at annmarie.stewart@va.gov regarding this procurement. The determination to conduct a competitive procurement based on responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Contracting Officer.