A--This Notice of Intent to Sole Source for the research of aberant regulation of tumor suppressor genes and oncogenes play a pivotal role in the transition from normal colon epithelium into carcinoma in situ.

This Notice of Intent to Sole Source is not a request for competitive proposals. No solicitations documents are available. Under Statutory Authority 41 U.S.C. 253(g), the Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center, Network Contracting Office 7, intends to procure services for the aberrant regulation of tumor suppressor genes and oncogenes play a pivotal role in the transition from normal colon epithelium into carcinoma in situ, and eventually into invasive and metastatic cancer. STRAP, a cellular protein, is upregulated in colorectal cancer and is involved in intestinal cancer progression, metastasis, and chemoresistance. This service is required for this proposal. In the in vivo mouse studies, we have to assess the expression of different proteins in the mouse tissue to determine their role in tumor progression and chemoresistance research under a firm fixed contract with University of Alabama at Birmingham., 1900 University Blvd Birmingham, AL 35294 on another than full and open completion basis. Funding does not exceed $1 Million. The contract is expected to be awarded under FAR 6.302-1. A justification and Approval for Limited Sources Justification will be prepared. This will include the following: Paraffin embedding tumor tissues of mice Sectioning paraffin embedded tissues H and E staining of paraffin sections of tumors Protein staining of paraffin sections Performance Period: 07/01/17-06/30/19 This procurement is being conducted in accordance with FAR 6.302-1, only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy the agency requirements. Contract is firm fixed price and the NAICS Code is 541380. Interested parties may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement. THIS NOTICE OF INTENT IS NOT A REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE PROPOSALS. A determination not to compete this requirement, based upon responses to 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. All responsible sources may submit an offer; however, only services meeting the Department of Veterans Affairs requirements will be considered for award. The Department of Veterans Affairs will NOT be responsible for any costs incurred by interested parties in responding to this notice of intent. Only written responses will be considered and must be received no later than July 9, 2018. All responses from responsible sources will be fully considered. As a result of analyzing responses to this notice of intent, the Government shall determine that a solicitation will be issued. Any prospective contractor must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) in order to be eligible for award. Information concerning SAM registered requirements may be viewed via the Internet at SAM.GOV or by calling the SAM Registration Center at 1-877-332-8277. Interested parties are encouraged to furnish information. All documents submitted will not be returned. All interested parties shall submit clear and convincing documentation demonstrating their capabilities to satisfy the requirements listed above to Contract Specialist by email at [email protected]. The capability documentation should include general information and technical background describing in detail the prospective contractor s capabilities and experience that will demonstrate the ability to support these requirements.