B -- SPECIAL NOTICE - RE-EXAMINE THE DIETARY REFERENCE INSTAKES FOR FOOD ENERGY

The United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service (ARS) intends to negotiate a sole source contract with Mathematica Policy Research, Inc. based on an unsolicited proposal to re-examine the dietary reference intakes for food energy, zinc, vitamin A, vitamin E, fiber, and potassium. The innovative unsolicited proposal identified some puzzling findings that have emerged from recent studies of nutrient adequacy, an emerging research issue of considerable relevance to the Department with implications to food assistance program design and impact evaluations. The offeror proposed a technical assessment and analysis of the issue that will help inform the Department. The ARS has determined that, because of the proprietary nature of MPR’s unsolicited proposal, it is not possible to award the contract competitively. This is not a request for competitive proposals. The intent of this notice is for informational purposes only. However, all information must be received via email at [email protected] no later than 3:30PM EST on November 14, 2005, will be considered by the Government. The estimated period of performance is seven months. The expected award date is on or about December 9, 2005.