A--Pilot study characterizing fungal populations at homes with flooding events at

The U.S. EPA intends to negotiate on a sole source basis, under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i), with the University of Puerto Rico for characterizing fungi in flooded homes in the Martin Pena Channel. Specific tasks and deliverables included: Task 1. Preparation of Quality Assurance Project Plan Task 2: Selection of Martin Pena Channel Community homes, coordinating the Proyecto ENLACE del Cano Martin Pena staff and the U.S. EPA Region 2 to make determination of the flooded homes as well as the non-flooded residences that will be sampled for fungal contamination. Task 3. Collection of dust and air samples Task 4: Analysis: Conventional fungal characterization. Fungal colony morphology and enumeration. The contractor shall complete molecular characterization utilizing current methods of DNA extraction and next generation sequencing. Utilizing the data from the molecular sequencing, the contractor shall build a fungal microbiome for each residence, both flooded and non-flooded. Analysis shall compare the fungal profiles of all the sampling residences and the results tabulated to form an overall picture of the extent of fungal contamination within flooded residences. EPA has identified the University of Puerto Rico and researcher Dr. Benjamin Bolanos as the only known source able to satisfy the Government’s requirements. Specifically, the EPA requires a contractor that possesses the unique position and capability to work with the Martin Pena Community and EPA Region 2. This includes being on location when residences are chosen, providing a local contact, and a history of working in this community. This work also requires a contractor with intimate knowledge of dust sampling specifically for subsequent ERMI analysis. Most importantly, this acquisition requires a contractor with specific knowledge of fungal organisms, their sampling, and handling through next generation molecular characterization. The University of Puerto Rico (Dr. Benjamin Bolaños) is the only entity with a prior experience in the use of EPA’s ERMI and sequencing technologies that is located on site in the neighborhood of the Caño Martin Pena that can isolate, propagate, and characterize indoor fungal contaminants. The anticipated award date is March, 2015. This procurement will be accomplished under FAR Part 13 Simplified Acquisition Procedures. Interested firms may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirements. THIS NOTICE OF INTENT IS NOT A REQUEST FOR COMPETATIVE QUOTATIONS. A determination by the Government not to compete this acquisition based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Sources wishing to be considered by the agency MUST submit documentation to the office identified in this notice. Documentation must be submitted within 15 calendar days of the date of publication of this notice. Offerors must register with FedConnect as an interested party to submit questions and to view responses. Telephone requests for the request for quotation will not be honored. To register in FedConnect vendors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) at www.sam.gov. Please note that vendors MUST have their SAM profile set to “public, ? otherwise FedConnect will not be able to access the SAM information required to validate vendor credentials. There is no charge for registration in FedConnect or SAM. For assistance in registering or for other FedConnect technical questions please call the FedConnect Help Desk at (800) 899-6665 or email at support@fedconnect.net. For technical issues or questions regarding FedConnect, either email support@fedconnect.net or call 1-800-899-6665. The FedConnect Support Center is staffed Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., EDT, except Federal holidays. You may also find the FedConnect Ready, Set, Go tutorial helpful for tips on setting up and managing your company’s account: https://www.fedconnect.net/FedConnect/Marketing/Documents/FedConnect_Ready_Set_Go.pdf