Shellfish Toxicity Monitoring

The Food and Drug Administration intends to award a sole source purchase order to Massachusetts Department of Health, Division of Marine Fisheries for shellfish toxicity monitoring in federal waters of the northwestern Atlantic Ocean. It is anticipated that award will be made for a 12 month base contract period. The intended source will collect samples and test the toxicity levels in accordance with National Shellfish Sanitation Program established methods and laboratory protocols. The sample results will be used to determine future sampling needs and frequencies. They will also be used by the FDA to make decisions regarding the safety of shellfish in federal waters and the need to restrict harvesting for public health protection. No solicitation package will be issued. This notice of intent is issued for informational purposes and not a request for competitive quotations; however, the Government will consider responses received by August 21, 2009, 6:00 p.m. EST. The proposed contract action is for services in which the Government intends to solicit and negotiate with a state organization as authorized or required by statute under the authority of 41 U.S.C 253 (c)(5). A determination by the Government not to compete the proposed contracts based on responses from this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. Responses to this notice must be sent via email to [email protected]. No phone calls will be accepted.