R416--Veterinarian Services for Research Pre-solicitation Notice with Intent to Sole Source

Pre-Solicitation Notice for notice of intent to award a sole source contract. This is not a solicitation. The Department of Veterans Affairs intends to negotiate a sole source contract for a five-year contract with Krista Gibbs, DVM LLC, 419 Worthington Dr. Marshall, PA 16046-7103 to obtain specialized veterinary research services for VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System (VAPHS) animal research program. VA requires each VA program to have a written program of veterinary care, regardless of the species of animals involved. A qualified licensed Veterinary Medical Consultant (VMC) laboratory animal veterinarian is required and responsible for providing veterinary medical support and serving as an expert consultant with regard to laboratory animal medicine and regulatory compliance for a VA medical facility s animal research program. Krista Gibbs has specialized experience and extensive knowledge of current research studies. The following services are required to meet the agency s needs: Provide veterinary care of animals housed for research at VAPHS Directing the operation of the animal research facility to ensure high quality and compliance with current animal welfare regulations and policies and to support Research and Development programs using animal subjects. Attending Veterinarian designation and assumption of related regulatory responsibilities, including IACUC appointment and involvement. Regular and documented on-site visitation of the animal facility to occur on average of twice per week. Provision of support for VAPHS researchers and staff in specialized techniques (training), as well in experimental design, protocol writing, reviews, and approvals. Establishment, implementation, and/or regular review of a quality control program for rodent colonies. Responsibility for directing and/or delegating authority and responsibility for activities involving animals at VAPHS. Due to the extensive experience as well as her specialized expertise in this area and the ongoing research projects that tie in with specific areas required for these studies, Krista Gibbs is the only vendor that can provide these specialized research services and care for the animals required. Since the intent is to procure this on a sole source basis, no solicitation will be posted to SAM.gov under Contract Opportunities. The applicable NAICS code is 541940 with a $10.million dollar size standard. The PSC is R416. The authority for this action is FAR 6.103-1 Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements. Interested persons may contact the Contracting Officer via email at annmarie.stewart@va.gov regarding this procurement. The determination to conduct a competitive procurement based on responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Contracting Officer.