B -- Sample analysis for microbiological baselines for raw ground beef components (RGBC).

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) plans to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) for services to provide sample analysis for microbiological baselines for at least two thousand (2000) raw ground beef components (RGBC). The contractor shall be able to maintain a quality management and assurance system equivalent to FSIS laboratories. Offerors are required to submit a technical and price proposal for evaluation by the Government. FSIS intends to award an indefinite-delivery type contract using the procedures in FAR part 15.3. This procurement will be conducted using full and open competition procedures. A small business subcontracting plan will be required from the apparent successful offeror if a large business. Award will be made to the offeror who submits the proposal considered most advantageous to the Government considering price and technical evaluation factors. The award will contain provisions for issuance of firm fixed price task orders. All qualified responsible sources may submit an offer which shall be considered by the Agency. The period of performance for this contract will run 12 months from date of award (to be determined), with 4 one-year option periods. This requirement is subject to the availability of funds. The full solicitation package and any necessary amendments will be available as attachments on this website. The offers must conform to the RFP instructions and be received by the closing date and time specified in the solicitation. Any questions concerning the RFP must be submitted in writing no later than September 12, 2003. Questions may be e-mailed to angela.green@fsis.usda .gov, or they may be sent to Angela Green at USDA, FSIS, ASD, 5601 Sunnyside Avenue, Maildrop 5230, Beltsville, MD 20705-5230; or by fax at 301-504-4276. It is the offeror's responsibility to monitor this site for the release of the solicitation and amendments (if any).The anticipated release date is on or about August 29, 2003 with an anticipated offer due date of on or about September 29, 2003. The firm date and time will be stated in the solicitation.