Electronic or Digital Disclosure Study

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is releasing the attached draft Performance-Based Work Statement (PWS) as part of a Request for Information (RFI) to solicit comments and improve the quality of the anticipated Request for Proposal for an Electronic or Digital Disclosure Study as described in the legislation to establish a National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard (Pub. L. 114-216), as well as a consumer perception study evaluating the likelihood of accessing electronic or digital disclosures. USDA is interested in obtaining information from vendors concerning their capabilities in conducting and an estimated cost to complete both studies by July 2017. We also welcome suggestions from other interested stakeholders about changes to the draft PWS to improve the quality of both studies. The final outcome of the work described in the draft PWS is to complete an effective and legally defensible study to identify potential technological challenges that may impact whether consumers would have access to the bioengineering disclosure through electronic or digital disclosure methods and describes consumer perceptions of accessing electronic and digital disclosures that may be used to identify bioengineered foods. AMS will move forward with the studies once Congress determines funding levels for the studies and the development of the new standard as a whole. Vendors In response to this RFI, the vendors are asked to provide the following information: - Company Information (Name/Primary Point of Contact/Phone Number/E-mail Address/Business Size) - Capabilities statement describing corporate experience and or past performance on similar studies. - Estimate of costs to complete both studies. Please include any assumptions. - Information on the estimated time-frame to complete the study. The legislation requires the completion of the study by July 29, 2017 (1 year from the enactment date). - Any suggested changes to the Draft PWS that might improve its effectiveness or overall quality. Vendors may choose to identify additional areas for USDA consideration. General Stakeholders Other interested stakeholders (not vendors) are asked to provide their suggestions [email protected] using the subject line ‘RFI - DRAFT PWS SUGGESTIONS'. All suggestions received become the property of the Federal government, are a part of the public record. All personal identifying information (for example, name, address, etc.) voluntarily submitted by the commenter may be publicly accessible. Do not submit confidential business information or otherwise sensitive or protected information to [email protected]. We will be unable to directly respond to your suggestion(s). Early input from vendors and stakeholders on the Draft PWS through comments, questions and recommendations is sought to help USDA refine the document prior to an actual Request for Proposal. All responses should be received by September 15, 2016 at 5:00 pm Washington D.C. time. This RFI is for market research purposes only and is not a part of a selection process. This RFI is issued solely to obtain information and for planning purposes and does not constitute a Request for Proposal. Any information submitted will not be returned, and no payment will be made by the government for such information.