Fluorescent Dye Pigment

In accordance with the Revolutionary Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Overhaul (RFO) FAR 12.102 (a), the following documents the decision to restrict competition for this acquisition.

Description of Supplies or Services
This procurement of 3,300 lbs (60ea 55# bags) of ECO18-BG55 Signal Green Pigment is for use at the New World Screwworm (NWS) dispersal facility at Moore Air Base (MAB), Edinburg, TX. This procurement is essential for the targeted dispersal of sterile flies to support the Secretary of Agriculture's five-pronged plan of the NWS Readiness and Response Policy Initiative.

Selected Source

DayGlo Color Corporation 
4515 St. Clair Avenue
Clevland, OH 44103
UEI: RJCLVF2V6X33

Justification for Restricting Competition and the Basis for that Decision.

A. The DayGlo pigment is the only pigment tested and approved for NWS larvae dye applications by the COPEG methods and development laboratory. Utilizing DayGlo pigment is in compliance with the Secretary of Agriculture’s strategy “use of proven sterile insect technology”. DayGlo dye has undergone extensive testing for its effects on fly development and lifespan as well as post capture identification characteristics, IT is the only dye that is currently approved by PPQ S&T for use in sterile fly production program.

B. Market Research was performed and identified other pigment dyes manufacturer. However these dyes have not gone through testing for use in sterile fly production.