The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Livestock & Seed Program (L&S), Seed and Regulatory Testing Branch (SRTB) in Gastonia, NC, intends to issue a sole source Blanket Purchase Agreement with Anchor Paper Company located in St. Paul, MN for Anchor brand germination paper under the authority of FAR 6.302-2 and 42 U.S.C. 253(c)(2). Seed testing is performed to meet the requirements of the Federal Seed Act ( 7CFR Part 201) and in support of the voluntary seed testing and certification program (7CFR Part 75). This testing is conducted using Anchor brand germination paper as stated in the SRTB laboratory protocols in accordance with internal quality control standards as well as the international standards required for seed testing. Anchor brand germination paper is the only product that will meet needs of the SRTB for the following reasons: a) Anchor Paper Company developed germination paper and holds the patent to their germination paper, b) Anchor brand germination paper meets both the internal and international quality requirements to support the enforcement of the Federal Seed Act requirements and the testing requirements to verify seed labeling claims and in support of the voluntary seed testing and certification program, and c) no other germination paper has been found to meet the requirements of the SRTB seed testing program. The blanket purchase agreement will last for up to five years with an estimated value of $6,000 per year, not to exceed $12,000 per year. This notice is for informational purposes only. No formal solicitation will be issued. Any questions or inquiries must be mailed, e-mailed, or faxed to the attention of the point of contact listed in this notice. No telephone calls will be accepted. Point of contact: Michael Chiodi, Contracting Specialist, (612) 336-3203, FAX: (612) 336-3550, E-mail:
[email protected].