65 -- Ground Meat Sampling Rings

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) intends to award a purchase order to International BioProducts, Inc. 21312 30th Drive SE, Bldg. B-110, Bothell, WA 98021, for Ground Meat Sampling Ring Kits. The sterile kits are used by inspection personnel when collecting samples of ground raw meat and poultry products for salmonella analysis. A 25-gram sample is required to run the analysis. The current product being utilized is Ground Meat Sampling Ring Kit product number USDA-GMS-025. The kit contains a sampling ring with the approximate dimensions of 1.50 inch ID, 1.75 inch OD, and 0.862 inch height (+/- 0.12 inch). The ring is made of clear acrylic plastic (tube). A 20 x 20 cm polyethylene sheet (2 mil thickness) and a 5.5? x 9? 4 mil polyethylene stomacher type sample bag with wire closure and a perforated top for easy opening. The Sampling Ring is rolled into the middle of the plastic sheet (eggroll style) and taped with a sterility seal, so the ring and sheet can be accessed at one time. The ring, sheet and bag are sterile. THERE IS NO SOLICITATION DOCUMENT AVAILABLE. International BioProducts is the only known source to have this type of meat sampling ring kit. All interested concerns must identify their interest in writing and fully document their capability to meet the agency?s requirements by forwarding a detailed response by February 6, 2003. All responses must be in writing and may be faxed to (301) 504-4276. All proposals from responsible sources will be considered by the Agency. If no affirmative written response is received by February 6th to determine that another source is available, negotiations will take place with International BioProducts.