U.S. Department of Commerce/National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration/OFA/AGFS/AMD -- OFA51, 1305 East West Highway -- Station 7604, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910

B -- CHEMICAL/BIOLOGICAL STUDIES AND ANALYSES SOL 00-0042 DUE 060700 POC Sandra Souders, (301) 713-0854 B -- The U.S. Dept. of Commerce/NOAA/NOS intends to negotiate on a sole source basis with Columbia Analytical Services (CAS) to conduct testing for NOAA using the unique Biomarker assay, P450 Human Reporter Gene System (HRGS). This test, which has been part of the NOAA toxicity program since 1996, is based on a genetically engineered human liver cancer cell, which produces a luminescent enzyme when toxic and carcinogenic organic compounds are present in the extracts of sediment or tissue applied to the assay. The contractor (CAS) will test sediment samples collected by NOAA and its collaborators as part of sediment toxicity studies in southern Chesapeake Bay (80 samples) and San Francisco Bay (100 samples). Samples will be collected from June to September 2000. NOAA will use the results from this test to estimate the pattern, severity and spatial extent of sediment toxicity in each study area. NOAA may also exercise option to test sediment samples from St. Lucie Estuary (20 samples). This is a notice of intent with no solicitation package available. Award will be made using simplified acquisition procedures. (Reference No. 00-0042) Posted 05/23/00 (W-SN457731). (0144)

Loren Data Corp. http://www.ld.com (SYN# 0007 20000525\B-0002.SOL)