AMS Designated Laboratory Meat Testing Services (ADL)

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is issuing Solicitation 12‑1NTS‑26‑R‑0002 to obtain proposals from responsible, accredited analytical laboratories to perform microbiological and fat testing in support of AMS meat, poultry, egg, and aquatic product procurement programs. This requirement establishes AMS Designated Laboratories (ADLs) responsible for conducting all required microbiological and chemical analyses on samples submitted by AMS vendors, ensuring compliance with Federal Purchase Program Specifications (FPPS) and supporting food safety and quality verification efforts.

AMS intends to award an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) firm‑fixed‑price contract, consisting of a Base Period and up to four option periods, covering performance from April 1, 2027 through March 31, 2032. Offerors must be fully capable of meeting all technical, accreditation, reporting, and quality assurance requirements outlined in the Statement of Work (SOW) and must maintain ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation for all applicable microbiological and chemical test methods throughout the contract term.

Offerors are required to submit a complete proposal package in accordance with Section E of the solicitation, including all technical, management, past performance, and pricing components, as well as a properly completed and signed SF‑1449. Offerors must ensure all requirements, instructions, and submission details—such as WBSCM electronic submission processes—are fully reviewed and followed. Incomplete proposals may not be considered for award.

Key expectations under this solicitation include:
• Performance of all required microbiological and fat analyses using approved methods (FSIS MLG, AOAC, AOCS, or AMS‑approved alternatives).
• Comprehensive sample preparation, receipt, testing, reporting, and data management in accordance with AMS SOW requirements.
• Timely reporting of results, including notification of presumptive or confirmed pathogen positives to AMS, FSIS, and vendors.
• Secure handling and management of proprietary AMS data.
• Full compliance with FAR, AGAR, and USDA‑specific contract clauses incorporated into the solicitation.

Prospective offerors are strongly encouraged to read the entire solicitation package, including the SOW, exhibits, and all referenced clauses, to ensure a complete and conforming submission.