National Hansen's Disease Program, DHHS, Attn: General Services Office, 1770 Physicans Park Drive, Baton Rouge, La 70816-3222

A -- CONTINUATION OF RESEARCH AND EXPERIMENTS ON DRUG RESISTANT MYCOBACTERIUM TUBERCULOSIS POC Suzanne Shumate, 225-756-3787 (V) or 225-756-3786 (F) The National Hansen's Disease Programs (NHDP) intends to negotiate on a sole source basis with Louisiana State University, School of Veterinary Medicine, Baton Rouge LA to extend their current contract for an additional 18 months beginning June 2000 through September 2001 for continuing research and study of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Louisiana State University was originally awarded a contract in 1995 and a follow on contract in 1998 to cultivate virulent Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv and single drug-resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, determine the minimum inhibitory concentrations, minimum bactericidal concentrations and post-antibiotic effect of submitted compounds against these strains using the BACTEC 460 radiorespirometric system. The major focus is to provide results which can lead to the development of treatment or eradication of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The purpose of the extension is to continue research of the cultivated virulent Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv and single drug-resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, determine the minimum inhibitory concentrations, minimum bactericidal concentrations and post-antibiotic effect of submitted compounds against these strains. A determination for use of other than full and open competition has been made in accordance with 42 U.S.C. 253 (c)(1) as set forth in FAR 6.302-1. Louisiana State University has the prerequisite knowledge and experience because of their preliminary and current work and has unique expertise in anti-tuberculosisi drug screening. Inherent duplication of cost to the government and unacceptable delays in performance make competition for this additional work unfeasible. All responsible sources may submit a proposal which will be considered by the NHDP. A determination not to compete the proposed work based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Contracting Officer. This notice of intent is not an announcement of the availability of a Request for Proposals (RFP) nor is an RFPavailable. See Numbered Note 22. Posted 03/09/00 (W-SN432770). (0069)

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