B--Establish IDIQ for Laboratory tests of the desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii)

NOTICE OF INTENT TO AWARD SOLE-SOURCE CONTRACT The U.S. Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center, has a requirement for specific laboratory tests for the desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii), a Federally- and State-listed threatened species. The tests are for mycoplasmosis, a disease contributing to population decline. The USGS conducts research on desert tortoises both internally and for external clients, such as the Bureau of Land Management, the California Department of Fish and Game, the U.S. Army, the U.S. Air Force, and others. The laboratory tests and analysis of tests essential to the research program include (1) enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) tests for Mycoplasma testudinium (formerly cheloniae) on samples of plasma from desert tortoises (Gopherus agassizii), and where appropriate other species of Gopherus; (2) enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) tests for Mycoplasma agassizii on samples of plasma from desert tortoises (Gopherus agassizii), and where appropriate other species of Gopherus; (3) cultures for mycoplasma from nasal and oral swabs of desert tortoises (Gopherus agassziii), and where appropriate, on other species of Gopherus; and (4) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests on isolates of mycoplasma using samples from desert tortoises and on other species of Gopherus. The U.S. Geological Survey, Office of Acquisition and Grants, Sacramento Branch intends to fulfill this requirement by contracting on a sole-source basis with the University of Florida, specifically the Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathology at the College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida at Gainesville. Scientists at the Mycoplasma Research Laboratory there, specifically Dr. Mary Brown and Nora Jones, developed and validated the tests for mycoplasmas for desert tortoises and other species of tortoises in the genus Gopherus; their methodology is in use only at the University of Florida. For consistency in interpretation of data sets gathered over the last twenty years, it is essential that these laboratory tests continue to be analyzed by scientists at the University of Florida. The proposed action will be an indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract with a ceiling not-to-exceed $200,000 over its five-year ordering period. Individual orders will be issued on a firm-fixed price basis, depending on the quantity of samples to be analyzed and the specific tests required on each sample. Orders may be issued as definite batches of samples become available, or for individual USGS researchers seasonal requirements. The Government intends to award this requirement noncompetitively in accordance with FAR 13.106-1(b)(1) and the procedures of FAR Part 12, entitled, Acquisition of Commercial Items. The University of Florida is the only laboratory known to the USGS capable of performing the required tests with the level of quality and consistency necessary. Other interested, qualified sources may submit a capabilities statement to the Contracting Officer, Cheryl Ciccarelli via email at [email protected] for purposes of determining whether competitive opportunities exist. Capabilities statements must specifically address the requirements described above and must be received not later than close of business local time September 3, 2021 to be considered for this immediate acquisition. NAICS 541940 (laboratory testing services, veterinary); PSC B534 (wildlife studies).