Notice of the intent to award of a single source purchase order

This announcement is a notice of intent to award a sole source purchase order to Washington State University under the requirements of FAR Part 13 and FAR 6.302-1," Other Than Full and Open Competition - one responsible source". The applicable NAICS code 611310 Colleges, Universities and Professional Schools with a size standard of $25.5 million, annually. USDA Forest Service intends to issue a single source, commercial item purchase order for analysis of elk diet for a Herbivory study for the PNW Forestry and Range Sciences Laboratory. This purchase order is being awarded under the authority of 41 U.S.C. 253(c) (1), as implemented by FAR 6.302-1 - "Only one responsible source" as the only viable course of action that provides for the analysis of unique samples available from only one source with unique capabilities. The incumbent has performed the work satisfactorily in the past and has a working knowledge of the requirements of this analysis. Other contractors could not provide the same level of service. This notice of intent to award is not a request for competitive proposals. However, Forest Service will consider any capability statements received by 4:30 PM PST on Friday, August 23, 2013. Capability statements would normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement; however, a determination by the Government not to compete the requirement based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Any respondent companies must be a small business. All responses shall be emailed to Patty Nash, Contracting Officer, at [email protected] so that they are received no later than 4:30 PM PST on August 23, 2013.