R -- Program Studies Related to Food Safety

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), plans to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP No. FSIS-3-B-03) to provide support services for various studies and analyses related to the implementation of the final Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) rule and other program initiatives. The studies and analyses would fall into the following general categories: 1) Studies and analysis which assess the feasibility of proposed changes to FSIS programs, the effectiveness of existing programs, and the reliability or usefulness of databases that report on the quality and safety of meat, poultry, and egg products; 2) Projects testing the feasibility or effectiveness of changes in program operations; 3) Surveys or focus groups to obtain information from industry, consumer groups, academic community and the public about current or planned Agency initiatives; and 4) Studies concerning the economic impact or costs and benefits of regulatory and policy options, information needs and data development, risk management decision-making, and the structure of the meat, poultry and egg product industries. Offerors are required to submit a technical and price proposal for evaluation by the Government. It is anticipated that a single award Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract will be awarded. The period of performance will be for a 12 month base period plus four additional 12 month option periods. Award will be made to the offeror who submits the proposal considered most advantageous to the Government considering price and technical evaluation factors. The award will contain provisions for issuance of firm fixed price task orders. All qualified responsible sources may submit an offer which shall be considered by the agency. This procurement will be conducted using full and open competition procedures. A small business subcontracting plan will be required from the apparent successful offeror if a large business. The applicable North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 541690, Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services, and the small business size standard is $6 million in average annual receipts. The offers must conform to the RFP instructions and be received by the closing date and time specified in the RFP. The anticipated release date of the RFP is on or about October 30, 2002, with an anticipated offer due date of on or about December 3, 2002. The firm date and time for receipt of offers will be stated in the RFP. Any questions concerning the RFP must be submitted in writing not later than November 18, 2002. Questions may be sent by e-mail to [email protected], or they may be sent to Debra C. Kaelberer at USDA, FSIS, ASD, 5601 Sunnyside Avenue, Maildrop 5230, Beltsville, MD 20705-5230; or by fax at 301-504-4276. The solicitation will be issued electronically and will be available at this website. It is the offeror's responsibility to monitor this site for the release of the solicitation and amendments (if any).