USDA Sole Source Notification for Incortrix Brandname Bait Powder Manufactured by Foodsource Lure Corporation of Sterrett, AL

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Pocatello Supply Depot located in Pocatello, ID intends to issue a sole source, 5-year Blanket Purchase Agreement award to Foodsource Lure Corporation of Sterrett, AL for Incortrix brand bait powder used in the manufacturing of an oral sylvatic plague vaccine for prairie dogs under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b). The sole source justification and approval required under FAR 13.501(a)(2)(i) is attached. The Incortrix brand bait powder has an ability to encapsulate virtually any material, and the baits can be manufactured at relatively low temperatures. Compared to all other known polymers, active ingredients can be added without inactivating or reducing their potency. Also, the property of the material allows for the active ingredients to be added thoroughly throughout the bait allowing for an even distribution. The material also acts as a stabilizer for "active" or "live" components, such as live virus vaccines. The bait has a long shelf-life. In its most processed form, the titer of the active ingredients have remained at satisfactory levels. The bait matrix is 100% environmentally friendly and is completely biodegradable. It has been demonstrated as a highly stable medium for similar live viral vaccines by others (including Merial and Tufts University). The National Wildlife Research Center's research on this FoodSource Lures product has shown that the bait material stabilizes and protects live virus vaccine from heat and other adverse environmental conditions (for more than a week at 80 F), and the bait material is highly palatable to prairie dogs in field trials. No other bait formulas have been found that met the criteria identified above. A 5-year Blanket Purchase Agreement will be awarded to establish firm-fixed pricing for the Incortrix brand bait powder at a price of $100.00 per kg. The anticipated maximum IDIQ value over 5 years is not-to-exceed $500,000.00. No formal solicitation will be issued. This notice is for informational purposes only. However, all interested parties may contact the Contracting Officer listed below. Anyone interested in responding to this requirement must be able to provide compelling evidence that they can provide equivalent bait powder in a timely manner and 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 Thursday, March 22, 2018, 1:00 pm central time. Point of contact: Michael Chiodi, Contracting Officer, (612) 336-3203, E-mail: michael.j.chiodi@aphis.usda.gov.