NIEHS Chemistry Services - MRI

DESCRIPTION THIS IS A NOTICE OF INTENT TO AWARD WITHOUT PROVIDING FOR FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION. The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) intends to award a short-term sole source contract to Midwest Research Institute (MRI) to provide a broad range of chemistry R&D services needed to support the diverse range of test articles, dose formulations, and internal dose metrics found in studies performed as part of the DTT and/or National Toxicology Program’s testing and research programs.

REGULATORY AUTHORITY This notice is being published by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 5.201 and 5.204 requiring notice of a proposed contract action. The statutory authority for this sole source action is 41 U.S.C. 253(c)(1) as implemented by FAR 6.302-1: Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements.

Award is subject to approval of the Justification and Approval for Sole Source (J&A). DESCRIPTION OF REQUIREMENT The NIEHS has a need for services to provide chemistry support to researchers within the Divisions of Translational Toxicology (DTT) at NIEHS. The purpose of this requirement is to conduct comprehensive testing and method development for identification of chemicals, drugs, or other environmental agents that are potential human health hazards for the immune system.

The test articles can vary from a single chemical to a complex mixture with a wide variety of physical and chemical properties.

MRI is the incumbent for these services under Contract Number HHSN273201400020C, which will expire on July 17, 2024. The period of performance for the proposed sole source action is anticipated to be one year with one additional six-month option period, and an estimated start date of July 18, 2024. This will assure uninterrupted access to chemistry support services provided under the current contract to prevent a lapse in service and disruption of mission-critical research while a new follow-on contract for chemistry support is negotiated under full competitive procedures.

RESPONSES THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE PROPOSALS. However, firms that believe they can fully meet the Government's requirement may submit a written capabilities statement (NOT TO EXCEED 3 PAGES). The capabilities statement must contain sufficient documentation to establish a bona fide capability to fulfill the requirement and must be received by the response date listed in this posting.

A determination not to compete this requirement, based upon responses to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the Government. NIEHS will not be responsible for any costs incurred by interested parties in responding to this notice. Please email all questions and correspondence regarding this notice to Ms. Mikel Outen at: mikel.outen@nih.gov. ONLY EMAIL RESPONSES WILL BE ACCEPTED.