B -- Food Source Identification and Tracking System

The Food and Drug Administration hereby makes notice of a proposed contract action under solicitation number 223-04-2507, - Food Source Identification and Tracking System, for the following: (1) A predictive modeling tool that is capable of generating various permutations (simulations) to food safety emergencies (both unintentional and intentional). It will be based upon the complex systems involved in food production. This modeling tool should be able to project outcomes and their probabilities in terms of the likely distribution of human illness or death and economic consequences, based on assumptions about the underlying food adulteration event before its true nature is known. These assumptions should easily accommodate modifications. Events to be modeled will need to be able to incorporate different methods of intervention, times of intervention, and points in the food production and distribution chain at which the intervention is applied. This tool will be based upon complex systems predictive (mathematical) modeling that does not require real-time network connectivity or inputs and will tool serve as a predictive modeling instrument and not an IT system. The mathematical substructure of the tool may be based upon a tool (theory) already in existence (and modified as needed). (2) Identification of the data requirements constitutes an essential part of supporting such a predictive modeling tool. Once the modeling tool is conceptualized and designed, it is important that its data requirements be described and a determination made as to the feasibility of how these requirements can be met. It should be determined if existing data sources are available and can be made accessible to support the modeling tool. It should be determined if additional data sources will need to be articulated and developed. Conceivably, such data requirements may include a mechanism for enhancing industry's and FDA's ability to trace foods through the entire food chain, especially when food is suspected/implicated as the intentional or accidental vehicle for the transmission of a human pathogen or a toxic material. Development of such a tool and the utilization of such data will facilitate a rapid and effective response by government and industry to an intentional or unintentional food safety emergency so illness, death, and economic impact are minimized. Data needs and requirements in any predictive modeling tool, as in this one, are dynamic over time. This fluidity should be taken into consideration during data needs assessment and reporting. (3) The ability to easily incorporate data into tool, modify data in tool, or change data in tool is required to fully utilize this tool. This step is dependent upon both previous steps and should be planned accordingly. As data is identified, a plan will be developed for this incorporation or use, depending upon need and data structure. THIS IS NOT A SOLICITATION/REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP). The solicitation will be available on the FedBizOpps web page at http://www.fedbizopps.gov for downloading on or about fifteen (15) calendar days after publication of this announcement with proposals due approximately 30 calendar days later. THE SOLICITATION WILL BE SET ASIDE FOR COMPETITION AMONG SMALL BUSINESSES. Prospective offerors are responsible for downloading the solicitation, attachments and amendments. It is the offeror's responsibility to monitor the FedBizopps web page for the release of the solicitation and any amendments. Hard copies will be provided to individuals eligible under the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act upon request. Award is anticipated mid- to late September, 2004 or sooner.