DEVELOPMENT OF SYNTHETIC SCENT TRAINING AID

The United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is seeking a sole-source synthetic scent training aid from Polymath Intersciences LLC, which holds the patent for this technology, to support canine detection teams in identifying New World Screwworm infestations. The goal is to replace the unsafe and inconsistent use of live or infested biological specimens with a reliable, non-biological alternative that accurately mimics the odor profile of screwworm larvae, enabling safer, more effective training of detection dogs near the U.S.-Mexico border where outbreaks are advancing. The contract is for the development, validation, and delivery of a synthetic scent kit sufficient to train six certified detection canines and provide enough training aids to imprint six additional canines for three months, with options for future procurement. The work includes developing the scent formulation, training and certifying the canines, and delivering comprehensive research documentation and a final project workplan. The contract has a one-year base period with a possible six-month extension, operates under a Firm Fixed Price structure with a $1,000,000 ceiling, and requires full compliance with federal and USDA-specific regulations. The solicitation follows a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable evaluation methodology, where offers must first meet all technical requirements in the Performance Work Statement to be eligible, with price as the decisive factor among technically acceptable bidders. Past performance is evaluated as Acceptable, Neutral, or Unacceptable, with Unacceptable ratings eliminating offerors. Key personnel—including a Lead Project Manager, Technical Lead, Canine Trainer, Data Analyst, and Lab Technician—must be identified with submitted resumes. The contract imposes stringent cybersecurity and data handling obligations under FAR clauses 52.204-21 and 52.240-93, and requires compliance with federal anti-discrimination laws through AGAR 452.203-71, with non-compliance potentially leading to default termination. The contractor must also certify adherence to the Buy American Act, avoid unenforceable supplier terms, and ensure all travel and canine transportation costs are included in the fixed price without reimbursement. All deliverables are to be delivered to Newnan, Georgia, under F.O.B. Destination terms, and payment is governed by electronic funds transfer through SAM. The contract explicitly prohibits supplier-imposed restrictions on data use, AI training with government data, geographic data storage mandates, and unilateral service suspension rights. The offer deadline is July 23, 202