Shiga Toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) Screening Technology

“This Sources Sought is for informational purposes only. This is not a “Request for Proposal (RFP) or Request for Quote (RFQ)” to be submitted. It does not constitute a solicitation and shall not be construed as a commitment by the government. Responses in any form are not offers and the government is under no obligation to award a contract as a result of this announcement. The Government is not committed nor obligated to pay for the information provided, and no basis for claims against the Government shall arise as a result of a response to this Sources Sought. Responses will not be returned to the responder. Not responding to this notice does not preclude participation in any future RFP or RFQ, if issued.” The 3 (three) Field Service Labs (FSLs) at the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), a public health regulatory agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), require an updated contract for screening and confirmation of Shiga Toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC). Current methods can be found online in Microbiology Laboratory Guidebook (MLG) 5C.01. The FSIS Laboratories plans to screen approximately 20,000 regulatory samples for Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli (STEC) per fiscal year, with additional testing planned for potential, presumptive and confirmatory analyses. The objective is to adequately equip all three FSIS Laboratories with the capability to test approximately 20,000 beef samples for STEC. This procurement will include a service agreement and replacement of equipment; assets as required for the duration of the resultant contract. Estimated Period of Performance: Base (12 months) plus 4 Option Periods (12 months each) with performance commencing in Sept 2023. Anticipated Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price, Indefinite Delivery Indefiniate Quantity Delivery Locations: USDA FSIS Laboratories (1) St. Louis, Missouri 63120 (2) Athens, GA 30605 (3) Albany, CA 94710