Sole Source Notice for Pink Boll Worm Egg Layer Cage Side Walls

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), APHIS (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service), PBWRF (Pink Boll Worm Rearing Facility) in Phoenix, AZ intends to issue a sole source contract award to Huhtamaki Food Service, Inc. located in De Soto, KS for 1.5 gallon bulk cans (product number 991011401632). The specific bulk cans are used as a side wall making up the third component of an egg layer cage used in producing and collecting PBW eggs. The ensuing adult PBW moths are used for the sterile release component in the PBW International Eradication Program. These specific bulk cans were selected following exhaustive research on a multitude of materials that would serve as a side wall to our egg laying cages. The specific bulk cans are an integral part of the egg layer cage design and the only known commercial item that will perform the necessary function at a reasonable cost. The anticipated contract award is an indefinite delivery indefinite quantity contract with a base year, and 4 option years to renew, for a total estimated value of $100,000. The anticipated period of performance for the agreement commences on March 1, 2011 and concludes February 28, 2016. This is not a request for quote, and no formal solicitation will be issued. This notice is for informational purposes only. However, all interested parties may contact the Contract Specialist listed below. Anyone interested in responding to this requirement must be able to provide compelling evidence that they can provide alternative PWF egg layer cage side walls that will perform the same function at a reasonable cost. Responses must be submitted electronically, via email, to michael.j.chiodi@aphis.usda.gov. The deadline for the submittal of responses is 1:00 pm central time, February 16, 2010.