A--Therapeutic Approaches to the Treatment ofSpinal Cord Injury (SCI)

Notice of Intent: Under Statutory Authority 41 U.S.C. 253(c)(1) the Government anticipates entering into sole source procurement negotiations with Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, to perform the following research: In collaboration between VA Hines and Drexel University, the two entities shall perform research to study clinically relevant therapeutic approaches to the treatment of Spinal Cord Injury (SCI), as required in the Combat Casualty Initiative, by implanting steroid pellets into rats in a model that both represents the type of injury seen in humans and yet is reproducible enough to be utilized in animal studies. The above authority is cited and justification made based on the determination that the Government's minimum needs can best be satisfied by supplies/services available from one source. This announcement is for services for which the Government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source under FAR 6.302-1. Other persons may identify their interest and capability to respond to this requirement by February 15, 2008. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals. However, all interest received on or before February 15, 2008 will be considered by the Government. A determination by the Government not to open the requirement to competition based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received as a result of the notice of intent will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. No solicitation document is available.