U.S. Geological Survey, Branch Of Acquisition and Federal Assistance, Box 25046, Denver Federal Center, Denver, CO 80225-0046

H -- PROCESSING AND ANALYSIS OF ALGAL QUALITATIVE MULTI-HABITAT SAMPLES DUE 022497 POC Jean Schilling 303-236-5900 ext. 325 E-MAIL: USGS, CR, Acquisition & Federal Assistance, jschilli@USGS.gov.. Concerns having the ability to furnish the services described herein are requested to give written notification (including telephone number for a point of contact) to the procuring office above within forty-five calendar days from the date of this synopsis. Salient characteristics: excellence in research and training in algal/diatom systematics and ecology; research laboratory equipped with microscopes having high resolution optics and accessories including contrast enhancement, automated photographic systems, and computer-interfaced digital image capture systems; research and/or museum collection of slides and identified specimens that is regional/national/international in scope; access to collection directly integrated into research and training; availability of taxonomic resources and literature, both in-house and through a major North American research library; ability to communicate with and disseminate synthesized and integrated algal taxonomic information to the international community of phycologists through an establised site on the World Wide Web; must have e-mail access and voice mail; availability of critical mass of qualified staff and post-graduate students directly involved in aspects of algal research, especially diatoms, ranging from pure systematics and technique development to applied ecological studies. Based on the information available at this time, and in accordance with 41 U.S.C. 253(c)(1), implemented by FAR 6.302-1, the Government considers the item specified as a sole source from Dr. Eugene F. Stoermer, Center for Great Lakes, The University of Michigan, and proposes to negotiate a contract with that firm on that basis. However, should additional sources be identified, they will be considered. Firms who feel that they can furnish the required item or its functional equivalent (based upon the criteria specified herein) are invited to submit in writing an affirmative response to this announcement. An affirmative response would include literature, brochures and such other materials which correspond to the required items stated herein. This information will be evaluated and used to determine if competitive opportunities exist. Since no solicitation document exists, requests for such documents without accompanying information will be considered non-responsive to this request without further consideration. This notice may represent the Government's only official notice of this procurement. See Note 22 (0010)

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