HT942525P0045 Notice of Intent to Sole Source

The Defense Health Agency Contracting Activity (DHACA) intends to modify the existing contract for an increase in service on a sole source basis In Accordance With (IAW) Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) part 6 to Aptagen, LLC located at 250 N Main Street, Jacobus, PA 17407 as the only responsible source that can provide the United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID) for services.

The Performance Work Statement has not changed other than to adjust the number of DNA aptamer generations being provided and adding an additional target of pseudoviruses. USAMRIID has a need to generate no less than one (1) but not to exceed four (4) DNA Aptamer Library Generation per year. These aptamer libraries will consist of ~1000 - ~10,000 targeted aptamers.

These libraries target specific pseudoviruses and/or alpha-conotoxins and/or palytoxins and should be capable of broad-spectrum interactions and libraries targeting four (4) to six (6) viral targets. This is a requirement that was originally identified to support USAMRIID’s project CB11484, Development of broad-spectrum DNA aptamers to neutralize toxins.

The requirement is crucial as it enables USAMRIID’s researchers to ultimately generate one (1) or more DNA aptamers capable of effectively binding and neutralizing specific toxins and viruses. This is an embryonic methodology with promising outlook for future use in the research field as this and similar strategies have not been employed at the institute previously. The services will performed in Frederick , Maryland 21702.