65--The US Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity has a requirement for 100 bags of Alpha Dri bedding over a 52 week period including some shipments for overnight delivery during the period.

STATEMENT OF WORK BACKGROUND: The Institute has used Alpha-Dri bedding for a number of years and investigators have found the dustless condition of this bedding excellent on which to house animals that are destined for aerosol studies. It is imperative to the well being of the animals and success of critical research that use of this bedding be continued. Examination of our historical data has determined that in the last year the Institute has needed 51 deliveries of 50 bags (1 palate) of bedding delivered overnight because of unexpected shortages due to unforeseen circumstances and the variation of animals . Overnight delivery is needed because storage space is unavailable for the bedding and the the amount of animals vaires depending on research protocols. If this had not been possible critical research and mission essential studies could have been serious ly compromised. SPECIFIC SERVICES: 1. Provide 100 bags (2 pallets) of Alpha Dri bedding every Wednesday of the week. The item is a 20 lb. bag of cellulose bedding produced by Shepherd Paper Inc. 2. Total delivery for the period will be 52 shipments, one shipment per week of 2 palates, of 100 bags for a total bag delivery of 5200 bags. 3. Overnight delivery for 50 bags (1 palate) is required within a 24-hour period. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 1. The bedding must be Alpha Dri bedding produced by Shepherd Paper Inc. 2. It must be a 20 lb. Bag. 3. Delivery must be in lots of 100 bags per delivery. 4. Vendor must be able to provide over night delivery upon demand. Proposals are due not later than 1400 hours, 2 March 2005. Proposals are to be electronically submitted to [email protected]. Questions may be posed to 301-619-2709. A Firm-Fixed Price Delivery Order will be awarded for the Period of Performance 9 March 2005 through 8 March 2006. A quote must be provided for weekly and overnight deliveries. Shipping costs should be included in the cost proposal. The ship to address is at 1425 Porter Street, Fort Detrick, MD 21702. This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; proposals are b eing requested and a written solicitation will not be issued.