Retail Listeria Monocytogenes Cross-Contamination Model

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) intends to issue a sole source contract to Cornell University, Office of Sponsored Programs, 373 Pine Tree Road Ithaca, New York 14850-2820 . The period of performance will be 6 months. Cornell University will 1) Expand the input and output capabilities of the current retail Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) cross contamination Risk Assessment model with data and information that are not currently in place and limited in nature such as sub-typing information, laboratory testing data etc. 2) Develop a report describing the data and information necessary to inform and update the current model now, and in the future, with data obtained from retail studies previously conducted by the contractor in New York State and those from proposed studies in additional states. 3) Provide a description of how new data will improve the value of the model's predictions and the implications of such predictions on policies designed to address the public health concerns of Lm. 4) Design and develop sampling plans to help in the mitigation of Lm risks in a retail environment. Cornell University is the only contractor that can do this work as it is the primary author and innovator of studies that led to new insights regarding Lm contamination in retail facilities in the State of New York. Cornell University also has generated unique data sets on L. monocytogenes contamination at retail, which could be shared with FSIS. Data from these studies will help populate, improve, and inform the current model with specific inputs and outputs that will ultimately help design and develop adequate policy options to address the problem. The determination by the government to issue a sole source contract is made under the authority of FAR 6.302-1 and is solely at the discretion of the Government. This notice of intent is not a Request For Proposal (RFP). In accordance with FAR 5.207(15): All responsible sources may submit a capability statement, proposal or quotation which shall be considered by the Agency. Responses are due by 3:00 p.m. on June 30, 2009. Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice. Responses must be submitted to Crandall Watson, Contracting Officer, at Crandall.Watson@fsis.usda.gov or USDA, FSIS, ASD, 5601 Sunnyside Avenue, Maildrop 5230, Beltsville, MD 20705-5230. Responses will also be accepted by fax at 301-504-4276.