NOTICE OF INTENT TO SOLE SOURCE - DESCHUTES NATIONAL FOREST R6 BEND SEED EXTRACTORY CERTIFIED SEED TESTING -

The Deschutes National Forest is seeking testing of seed for R6 Bend Seed Extractory. Seed purity, viability & moisture content examinations conducted for R6 Seed Extractory must be completed by AOSA (Association of Seed Analysts) certified analyst in an accredited laboratory. Examinations are completed at the time of initial seed processing and then re-tested every 3-5 years, depending on the species; as required by the WCF Seed bank regulations (FSM 2474.23) and per FSM 2470.03,3 (develop procedures & arrangements with accredited seed testing laboratories to test seed for purity viability and moisture content and to supply standard laboratory reports of tests results. Currently the only site listed in the AOSA Oregon State list is Oregon State University (ref. http://www.aosaseed.com/ ). Historically, the OSU Seed Laboratory has been conducting these exams; based on FSH 2409.26f SEED HANDBOOK; 42.1-6 which required OSU to be the examiner. The OSU Seed Laboratory have test exam results on file as far back as the initial exam for each seed lot; so these records are available to the R6 Bend Seed Extractory should something happen to our existing documents on-site. Because of the long-standing historical use of the OSU Seed Laboratory for these exams, OSU has extensive experience in performing tree seed germination exams and has equipment to do large volumes of seed lots in a short time span. They also perform both the no-chill and multiple-week pre-chill germination exams. In addition, since OSU is within the state of Oregon, it allows the R6 Seed Extractory personnel to visit and observe their services at any time. To keep records consistent with previous seed lots exams following the viability of the seed in long-term storage, the Seed Handbook requirements of using OSU Seed Laboratory and the fact they are the only AOSA accredited seed laboratory in the state of Oregon, only OSU State University can perform these tests. Therefore the Government intends to award a contract for this requirement to OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY, KERR ADMINISTRATION B306, CORVALLIS OREGON 977331 This is not a request for competitive quotes. However, all interested parties who believe they may meet these requirements may submit in writing, within 5 calendar days of this notification, complete information describing the ability to meet these requirements. Information will be used solely for purposes of whether to conduct a competitive procurement. A determination by the Government not to open the requirement to competition based on responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Companies that can provide an equal product must submit their technical capabilities to include technical specifications of their product, past performance information, price and delivery time. All responses to this announcement must be directed to Maria Gonzalez [email protected] not later than 12 noon, Pacific Standard Time, February 6, 2012. TELEPHONIC QUESTIONS OR REQUESTS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.