RFI-Small Molecule Compound Collection Optimization and Disposal

The United States Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity (USAMRAA) intends to negotiate on a sole source basis IAW FAR 13.5 to SPECS CHEMICAL SERVICES, INC, 14900 BURBRIDGE RD SE CUMBERLAND MD 21502-8901 as the only responsible source that can provide Walter Reed Army institute of Research (WRAIR), Experimental Therapeutics (ET) Branch for the provision of services to downsize and optimize WRAIR’s small molecule compound collection with the goal of retaining a chemically diverse screening collection of 25,000-50,000 compounds and 3,000-5,000 compounds that support current research projects and to dispose of all samples that are not retained.

All compounds not retained will be disposed of in full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations include those of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), DoD, Department of Health Agency (DHA), and the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE). The requirement is inherently tied to the contractor’s facility, which is privately owned and operated. The containers in question are located within Spec’s premises and stored as part of an existing contract performance.

Due to facility access restrictions, safety protocol, proprietary handling requirements, and liability concerns, only Specs has the physical and legal authority to access and remove the containers. Any third party would require escorted access, training and assumptions of liability – rendering such efforts inefficient, cost-prohibitive, and a potential safety/security risk.

Additionally, the removal must be performed in accordance with the contractors existing OSHA and or EPA compliance framework, which governs internal operations no transferrable to external vendors. Therefore, no other responsible source can provide the required services without unacceptable delays, cost increases, and/or mission impact.