Inactive

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) intends to award a sole source fixed-priced purchase order contract to procure services from Dr. Terry L. Schulze, at TLSchulzePhD. Inc. The purpos... The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) intends to award a sole source fixed-priced purchase order contract to procure services from Dr. Terry L. Schulze, at TLSchulzePhD. Inc. The purpose of this work is to evaluate the impact of spray application methodology – high-pressure versus low-pressure spraying – on suppression of host-seeking Ixodes scapularis nymphs in the spring for representative natural product and entomopathogenic fungus formulations. The outcome of the research will be of direct relevance for homeowners and professional pest control firms engaging in tick control activities. Yielding results of the work is to determine if the length of time suppression of host-seeking Ixodes scapularis nymphs exceeds 90% is improved when natural product (Essentria IC3) or entomopathogenic fungus (Met52 EC Bioinsecticide) product formulations are applied via a truck-mounted high-pressure sprayer as compared with a backpack low-pressure sprayer. The experimental field plots should (A) be located in areas known to have densities of host-seeking Ixodes scapularis nymphs sufficiently high to achieve adequate statistical power for the spring intervention based on a projected 90% level of suppression; and (B) consist of uniform woodland substrate to reduce variability in intervention efficacy among plots due to the structure of the substrate impacting penetration of the product formulations. Density of host-seeking Ixodes scapularis nymphs in all experimental plots (representing low-pressure spray with Essentria IC3; high-pressure spray with Essentria IC3; low-pressure spray with Met52 EC Bioinsecticide; high-pressure spray with Met52 EC Bioinsecticide; and non-treated control) should be determined based on non-removal tick sampling to include at least 1 pre acaricide-application date sample, a 24-hour post application date sample and at least 4 weekly post-application date samples. The vendor will identify suitable test plots (assigned randomly to treatment categories or control); mark and stake each treatment and control plot; apply control products; and conduct drag sampling of host-seeking Ixodes scapularis nymphs. The vendor will provide informal monthly reports to the CDC/NCEZID/DVBD technical point of contact and at the end of the field work all data will be sent to CDC/NCEZID/DVBD, Fort Collins, CO. This contract action is for services for which the Government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b) (SAP) and 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1). Interested persons may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement or submit proposals. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotations; however, all quotations/responses received within five (5) days of the issuance of this notice will be considered by the government. A determination by the government not to compete this proposed contract based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the government. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. Any quotation /response should be emailed to the Contracting Specialist, Willie Moss, CTR, at LSF7@cdc.gov by COB 06-28-2021. No telephonic quotes shall be considered.