Irradiated Sani-chip Bedding

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial products and services, issued as a Request for Quote (RFQ) for Irradiated Sani-chip Bedding. The bedding is intended for primary enclosures housing animal species at the research vivarium facilities of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR).

• Product: Heat-treated, cube-cut hardwood chip bedding, irradiated and free of microbial contamination, toxins, and other harmful substances.

• Material: Must be from beech, birch, aspen, or maple, free of bark, dirt, trash, metal, and stones.

• Form: Cube-cut, free of shavings and slivers. Specific particle size requirements apply.

• Processing: Rotary drum dried at max 1200°F for 20 minutes, moisture content reduced to 8% +/- 2%.

• Irradiation: Minimum dose of 15 kGy.

• Contaminants: Strict limits on pesticide residues (e.g., Alpha BHC, Beta BHC < 0.02 ppm) and heavy metals (e.g., Lead < 0.5 ppm).

• Packaging: 2.2 cu. ft. bags, palletized on standard 40"x48" pallets (50 bags per pallet).

• Sanitation & Pest Management: Manufacturer must have written Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for plant sanitation and an integrated pest management program.

• Contract Type: Commercial Item-Firm Fixed Price.

• Period of Performance: Five (5) year ordering periods. Ordering period 1: 3/30/2026 – 3/29/2027, up to Ordering period 5: 3/30/2030 – 3/29/2031.

• Estimated Value: Contract guaranteed minimum of $6,500. Maximum estimated not to exceed 10,000 units over the 5-year period.

• Delivery: FOB Point Destination to NCTR in Jefferson, AR. Shipments anticipated quarterly, with minimum order of 500 bags and maximum of 1,500 bags per order.

• Submission: Offers are due by email to david.kramer@fda.hhs.gov on or before February 10, 2026, by 1:00 P.M. Central Time.

• Evaluation: Lowest price technically acceptable. Factors include Technical Acceptability and Price.

• Quote Validity: Minimum through September 30, 2026.

• NAICS Code: 334517 – Irradiation Apparatus Manufacturing.

• Small Business Size Standard: 1,200 employees.

• Set-Aside: This acquisition is not set-aside for small business concerns.

• The solicitation incorporates provisions and clauses by reference. Full text can be accessed at https://www.acquisition.gov/far-overhaul.

• Offerors must submit a written Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR) if not in compliance with 508 standards.

• Electronic documents must be submitted without macros.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This document establishes the requirements for laboratory animal bedding processing, including raw material handling, manufacturing facility and warehouse sanitation, treatment for product processing, and product packaging. It applies to all laboratory bedding purchased under National Institutes of Health (NIH) contracts.

• Plant Sanitation: Manufacturers must have a written Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for maintaining orderly, sanitary, and pest-free receiving, production, and storage areas. Daily cleaning and periodic removal of debris are required.
• Pest Management: An integrated pest management program provided by a licensed pest control company is mandatory. This program must include regular monitoring, use of non-chemical methods where possible, and maintenance of detailed records. Manufacturing and storage areas must be rodent and bird-proofed and free of insects.
• Manufacturing and Warehouse Facilities: Facilities must be dry, clean, and free of contaminants. Structural elements must be maintained to prevent chipping paint. Adequate space for equipment, materials, and aisles is required. Floors, walls, and ceilings must be cleanable and in good repair. Fixtures and pipes must not contaminate products. Lighting must be adequate, and glass suspended over production areas must be safety type or protected.
• Product Processing: Raw materials must be free of bark and foreign materials. Processing should occur in a closed system, with dust control via aspiration. Thermal dryers may be used to reduce moisture and control bacteria, with specific temperature requirements at the exhaust vent. Screening is required to standardize particle size. Production apparatus used for products with additives requires prior approval from the Contracting Officer. Recycled paper must be free of contaminants. Products must be bagged immediately after manufacturing.
• Packaging: Paper bags must be new, suitable for domestic shipment, and constructed of Kraft paper with specific thickness. Bags must be square or box type, securely closed, and marked with appropriate nomenclature and NIH Stock Number.
• Transportation: Vehicles used for transport must be clean, watertight, and constructed to prevent pest entry. Bedding must not be transported with undesirable products or on dirty/contaminated pallets.
• Inspection: Products will be inspected for various quality attributes. Facilities and operations are subject to NIH inspection prior to award and during the contract period.

Not explicitly stated, but implies ongoing contract performance related to NIH procurements.

• Manufacturers must provide SOPs and pest management records to the Government Inspector.
• Specific requirements for moisture content, thermal dryer exhaust temperature, and bag construction.
• Strict segregation of bedding from certain chemical products during storage and transport.
• Adhesives used in bags must be non-toxic and heat-resistant.