The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) intends to negotiate, on a sole source basis, with the Cape Cod Cooperative Extension, 3195 Main Street, Barnstable, Mass 02630 to establish, maintain and activate/deactivate 4-Poster deer stations; and conduct seasonal sampling for black-legged deer tick adults and nymphs on Cape Cod and the Islands. This study builds upon three years of baseline tick population data secured by the Cape Cod Cooperative Extension (CCCE).EPA anticipates conducting a statistical analysis of these existing baseline data as well as an additional two years of sampling data collected. The data will be used by EPA to interpret specific tick population responses at 4 poster treatment and control sites consistently monitored in the three Cape and islands study areas over the five year period. The Cape Cod Cooperative Extension is the only vendor that can provide data that adequately bracket the multi-year life cycle of black-legged ticks. Continuity between the previous CCCE baseline data collection methods and the new data to be obtained is a critical quality control issue for EPA's intended publication of a peer-reviewed analysis. Since the sampling protocol, property owner permissions for the study locations, and required wildlife permits from the State of Massachusetts were uniquely developed by or issued to Cape Cod Cooperative Extension, EPA believes CCCE is the only vendor capable of satisfying the requirement at this time. The circumstance permitting use of a sole source is FAR 13.501(a). The anticipated period of performance is 18 months. All interested parties who believe they can provide the required services should fully explain their capabilities and qualifications in writing within 15 days from the date of this announcement and provide itemized pricing that is sufficient to make a determination that competition is feasible. The intent of this synopsis is to determine if any source(s) exist, therefore, no solicitation (RFQ) is available. Submit response to the U.S. EPA, Attn: Robin S. Harris (E105-02), RTP Procurement Operations Division, 4930 Page Road, Durham, NC 27703 or email to
[email protected]. No telephonic or faxed requests will be honored.