This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; proposals are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. The USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) intends to issue an award on a sole source basis to DR. RAY GAMBLE, dba PORK SAFETY CONSULTING. The applicable North American Classification System (NAICS) code is 112210 Pig Farming. ARS requires a consultant who will help oversee and manage an ambitious project, funded by APHIS in service of needs defined by the National Pork Producer's Council, to test six million pigs for the presence of Trichinella spiralis over a two-year period. The project requires a special combination of rare competencies. At minimum, someone who: • has a thorough understanding of the biology and epidemiology of trichinellosis; • has a good working knowledge of pork production in the United States and recognition among pork producers, the scientific community, and the regulatory community in APHIS; • has technical competencies in implementing approved methods of artificial pork digestion for detection of trichinae; • can review project performance; • assure data quality and management; and, • can communicate with industry and regulatory partners concerning project needs and progress. The government requires the services of someone skilled in executing the logistics inherent to a nationwide sampling endeavor, with outstanding communication skills and the ability to convene and resolve problems that may affect the quantity and/or quality of the meat being shipped to ARS, or that may compromise the integrity of the information identifying the source of constituent samples. The government requires someone who has stature and respect within the Pork industry, capable of reaching decision-makers and achieving their participation in efforts which may impinge on short-term production goals, but which promise long-term, industry-wide benefits. The government requires oversight from someone with an impeccable reputation as a scientist dedicated to accuracy, transparency, excellence, and the public interest. In particular, ARS requires someone to provide technical support for the testing, weekly telephone calls with the testing team to verify progress and understand any problems; will review testing results on a weekly basis and communicate with industry partners and/or APHIS, as needed; will meet with the ARS testing team in person at least twice a month to discuss sampling progress, supply and equipment needs, and results; will review results prior to monthly updates to APHIS, will prepare quarterly review of results assuring the proficiency of the testing team to identify positive samples, and will provide (as needed) review of technical problems in testing or review of questionable results. The government intends to issue the award using 6.302-1 Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. In response to this notice, all responsible sources who believe they can meet the government's requirements may submit a capability statement, proposal, or quotation, which shall be considered by the agency. Prospective vendors shall complete electronic annual representations and certifications and shall be registered in the System for Award Management database at http://www.sam.gov. All responses shall be addressed in WRITING, via email only, to
[email protected] by NLT 5:00 pm, EST on 03/18/2019. No telephone inquiries will be accepted. Place of Performance: Beltsville Agricultural Research Center Building 200, BARC-East Beltsville, MD 20705 Or alternative work site as agreed upon with technical contact Period of Performance: March 25, 2019 - March 24, 2021 (24 months).