Sole Source- Yuma Valley Leafy Greens Production Area Environmental Surveillance for Bacterial Foodborne Pathogens

The Food and Drug Administration intends to award a sole source contract for a research and development project to have a greater understanding of the presence, persistence, seasonality and diversity of foodborne enteric pathogens within produce productions areas such as the Yuma Valley growing region which is a large supplier of fresh leafy green vegetable to the U.S. populace. The award will be made to: The University of Arizona Maricopa Agricultural Center 37860 W. Smith-Enke Rd. | Maricopa, AZ 85138 In accordance with FAR 6.302-1 the solicitation contains circumstances permitting other than full and open competition. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotes. However, all responsible sources may submit a capability statement within 15 days after the publication of this synopsis which shall be considered by the agency. Responses received after 15 days or without the required information may not be considered. The objective for this requirement is to have a greater understanding of the presence, persistence, seasonality and diversity of foodborne enteric pathogens within produce productions areas such as the Yuma Valley growing region which is a large supplier of fresh leafy green vegetable to the U.S. populace. Independently, and not as an agent of the Government, the Contractor shall furnish the necessary scientific expertise, coordination, field work, laboratory work and otherwise do all things necessary to accomplish the tasks and deliverables described in this Statement of Work (SOW). This could include:1) providing staff such as a senior level scientist, a lead scientist(s) such as a post-doctoral student, advanced doctoral student or senior staff scientist and/or support scientists; 2) providing scientific expertise trained extensively in classical and molecular microbiology, field sampling techniques including water sampling methodologies in order to be capable of performing the tasks described in this contract to provide quality work; 3) providing sample collection equipment and expertise necessary for the defined tasks; 4) providing the necessary laboratory space to conduct the specified microbiology work; 5) provide the shipping capabilities and expertise to send samples to FDA laboratories; 6) have the necessary agreements with the local community and private entities to coordinate and conduct the research.