The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Livestock, Poultry & Seed Program (LPS), Seed and Regulatory Testing Division (SRTD) in Gastonia, NC, intends to issue a sole source 5-year Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) with Anchor Paper Company located in St. Paul, MN for Anchor Paper brand germination paper under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b). 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 SRTD laboratory protocols in accordance with internal quality control standards as well as the international standards required for seed testing. Anchor Paper brand germination paper is the only product that will meet needs of the SRTD for the following reasons: a) Anchor Paper Company developed germination paper and holds the patent to their germination paper, b) Anchor Paper 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 SRTD seed testing program. The BPA period of performance will be for 5 years from the date of award with an estimated value NTE $12,000 per year. This notice is for informational purposes only. No formal solicitation will be issued. Any questions or inquiries must be e-mailed to the attention of the point of contact listed in this notice. The response deadline is Friday, January 31, 2014 at 2:00 pm central time. No telephone calls will be accepted. Point of contact: Michael Chiodi, Contracting Specialist, (612) 336-3203, FAX: (612) 336-3550, E-mail:
[email protected].