Equine Iris Scanner

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Animal Care (AC), Horse Protection (HP) program is seeking to sources that manufacturer/offer equine iris scanning equipment for use during HP inspections to properly identify horses presented for inspection under the Horse Protection Act (HPA). The HPA prohibits horses subjected to a cruel and abusive practice used to accentuate a horse’s gait called soring from participating in exhibitions, sales, shows, or auctions. To facilitate enforcement of the HPA, proper identification of horses is critical to ensure horses previously disqualified from participation in an event do not re-enter the competition. The Iris Scanner must be portable (i.e. hand-held) non-invasive equine iris scanning system that can quickly and accurately identify individual horses and provide on-site information regarding the horse. Additionally, the systems must be able to store individual horse information for quick identification. The systems must be able to communicate/share information/data with one another (i.e. have a singular data base for information storage and access), must be capable of editing horse identification information without connecting to a computer or other device (i.e. what information is entered on one system must be able to be obtained from another). The company must be able to provide a representative that is knowledgeable regarding the specifications of their iris scanning systems for onsite training purposes and legal testimony when necessary. The equipment must be rugged enough for outdoor working conditions including high humidity, significant dust, heat and rain. The NAICS code that may apply to this requirement are: 334118 - Computer Terminal and Other Computer Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing (Small business size 1000) 333314 - Optical Instrument and Lens Manufacturing (Small business size 500) It is at the discretion of USDA to determine if a small business set-aside is appropriate based upon the capability information provided in response to this notice, and other pertinent information gathered by the contracting officer. Respondents should ensure the information provided is detailed, current, accurate, and complete. This notice does not constitute a solicitation. This invitation for capability statements is for planning purposes only. The acquisition strategy for this proposed project has not yet been determined. Response to this notice is strictly voluntary. The Government will not reimburse any party for its participation in this effort. Information submitted in response to this notice is subject to disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act. Respondents are advised that the Government is under no obligation to acknowledge or provide feedback with respect to any information submitted under this notice. All interested parties are invited to submit capability statements for acquisition planning purposes. Please submit your responses to Kim Yen Tu via email only at [email protected] by 07/07/2021 at 1pm Central Time. Please provide the following information in your response: Company Information including SAM, DUNS, and socioeconomic status Capability including product offering