USDA, APHIS, Field Servicing Office, Butler Square West, 5th Floor, 100 North 6th St., Minneapolis, MN 55403

66 -- VENTANA NEXES SYSTEMS SOL 57-M-APHIS-00 DUE 063000 POC Kathryn Linde 612-370-2494 WEB: www.aphis.usda.gov/mpls/contracts/index.html, www.aphis.usda.gov/mpls/contracts/index.html. E-MAIL: </presol>, kathryn.s.linde@usda.gov. USDA, APHIS, VS, Ames, IA intends to contract for Ventana Equipment and reagents and stains to test for Scrapie and Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), known collectively as Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (TSE) testing of up to 30,000 animals in FY 2000 and FY 2001. APHIS will award a Blanket Purchase Agreement, BPA, to up to 10 laboratories across the United States who demonstrate the capability to provide the services outlined in the solicitation. Government furnished equipment will be provided so that there are consistent test results among the various laboratories. The government intends to issue a sole source contract to Ventana Medical Systems Inc. For Nexes Systems. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals. This procurement will utilize the commercial acquisition procedures as allowed in FAR Part 12. This effort is advertised under SIC 3821, Laboratory Apparatus and Furniture. The solicitation, 57-M-AP HIS-00, will be released on or about June 8, 2000. For a copy of the solicitation, submit a written or faxed request stating name, address, telephone number and solicitation number. Fax requests to "Contracting Section" at 612-370-2106. Telephone requests will not be accepted. The proposal is due by June 30, 2000, 2:30 p.m. local time. Posted 05/25/00 (W-SN458700). (0146)

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