Intent to Sole Source - Seed Certification

Pursuant to FAR 13.106-1(b), USDA, Agricultural Marketing Services (AMS), intends to award a sole source contract in that only one source and no other supplies/services will satisfy agency requirements. The contract will be for OECD Seed Schemes membership under FAR PART 12 Acquisition of Commercial Services. Membership in this organization is necessary for USDA-AMS to continue participation in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Seed Schemes. Each participating country is assessed an annual fee as described in the OECD Schemes for the Varietal Certification or the Control of Seed Moving in International Trade, also known as the Seed Schemes Rules and Regulations. The Seed Schemes program is funded by member dues from participating countries. The OECD Seed Schemes is a system by which, seed which has been certified for varietal purity and identity in one country is recognized as certified seed in the other participating countries. The sole source justification is attached. The requirement is essential to meeting the government's needs. All responsible sources capable providing the service listed above (and detailed in the attached justification) may submit a capability statement which shall be considered by the agency. The response must explain completely and in detail how the service meets each characteristic indicated in the justification. Interested sources who submit data are responsible for appropriately marking information if it is proprietary in nature. The Government will not reimburse participants for information they provide. This is a notice of intent to sole source with fair opportunity for all responsible sources to see the solicitation and respond if capable. Information provided is strictly voluntary. Please email responses to Beverly Brown no later than the time indicated below. Telephonic inquiries will not be honored. Closing date for submission is April 3, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. eastern time. The North American Industry Classification Code (NAICS) is 541990 with a small business size standard of $15 million.