THIS IS NOT A SOLICITATION NOTICE. This is a Sources Sought Synopsis. There is no solicitation available at this time. The Laboratory Response Branch (LRB), Department of Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response (DBPR), National Center for Preparedness, Detection, and Control of Infectious Diseases (NCPDCID), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is requesting information to determine the availability of qualified contractors to produce, assemble, and ship proficiency testing samples. The Laboratory Response Network (LRN) was established by the Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in accordance with Presidential Decision Directive 39, which outlined national anti-terrorism policies and assigned specific missions to federal departments and agencies. Today, the LRN is charged with the task of maintaining an integrated network of state and local public health, federal, military, and international laboratories that can respond to bioterrorism, chemical terrorism and other public health emergencies. In order to ensure preparedness and competency with LRN procedures, LRN member laboratories must participate in the Proficiency Testing Program (PT) provided by the Laboratory Response Branch, Division of Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response. The LRN PT Program is designed to simulate real-world scenarios involving potential bioterrorism agents. Therefore, Proficiency Testing involves the distribution of prepared samples in a variety of sample matrices, sample types and biological agents. Preparation of PT Challenge samples involves the following: Distribution of samples at least three times a year to as many as 200 LRN Member Laboratories; Manipulation of viruses, bacteria and toxins, including select agents; Experience with spiking simulated human or environmental samples with agents of Bioterrorism; Familiarity with USDA and Select Agent permissions and requirements; Familiarity with regulations for the shipment of infectious substances both domestically and internationally, including the following:o HHS - the Select Agent Regulations 42 CFR Part 73 o DOC---Export Administration Regulations 15 CFR Parts 730 ? 744 o IATA Regulations o DOT Regulations Please submit a Statement of Capabilities including the following and not to exceed 5 pages in length: Contractor?s business size and type; Description of similar work that has been performed and the dollar value of that work; Demonstration of contractor?s ability to fully meet the technical and personnel requirements outlined above; Indicate whether the contractor has experience working with federal regulations and policies; Outline the Quality Control Mechanisms the contractor has in place that would be pertinent to this work. NO QUOTES ARE BEING REQUESTED AT THIS TIME. This Request for Information (RFI) is being used as a marketing research tool to determine the availability and adequacy of potential sources. All offerors must have an active registration in Central Contractor Registration (CCR), which may be obtained at www.ccr.gov. Any information submitted by respondents to this synopsis is strictly voluntary. The Federal Business Opportunities, www.eps.gov, will be the primary source of information for this acquisition. Please submit responses, questions, and/or comments to this sources sought synopsis not later than December 21, 2007, 4:00 p.m. EST to
[email protected]. Reference number PT12102007 in the subject line of any e-mail correspondence associated with this request for information (RFI). This is not a request for proposals or a guarantee of forthcoming solicitation. It should not be construed as a commitment of any kind by the U.S. Government to issue a solicitation. Any information provided to the Government in response to this RFI will become CDC property and will not be returned. All proprietary or classified information shall be handled accordingly. NO PHONE CALLS WILL BE ACCEPTED. Expiration of notice changed from 12/21/2007 to 1/21/2008.