Notice of Intent to Award a Sole Source contract in accordance with RFO FAR 6.103-1
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), specifically the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), has issued a Notice of Intent to Award a Sole Source contract to J.L. Shepherd for self-shielded Cobalt-60 irradiators and associated services. This procurement is critical for the New World Screwworm (NWS) Readiness and Response Policy Initiative at the new MAB site in McAllen, TX. The intent is to award to J.L. Shepherd due to their unique position as the original and sole manufacturer of the required irradiator model, which is proven and tested for NWS sterilization.
Purpose & Scope
The USDA requires J.L. Shepherd's Model 484C-P, Sub-Model 484R-2D irradiators, which are currently in use at the COPEG facility in Panama and are the only models proven and tested by USDA for sterilizing NWS pupae. These irradiators are essential for the mass production and targeted dispersal of sterile flies to prevent NWS from impacting the U.S. agricultural industry, particularly the cattle industry in Texas and New Mexico. The procurement aims to achieve a sterilization capability of 100 million NWS pupae/week within 20 months and 300 million pupae/week within 31 months.
Contract Details
- Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price (anticipated)
- Manufacturer: J.L. Shepherd
- Specific Model: 484C-P, Sub-Model 484R-2D, dual chambered, self-shielded, Cobalt-60 irradiators (two initially, with an option for two additional)
- Deliverables: Irradiator manufacturing, installation, relocation, maintenance, source reloading, and disposal, including an optional noiseless air compressor.
- Structure: Anticipated to consist of four base items and twenty optional items, including preventive maintenance plans.
- Authority: Justified under 41 U.S.C. 1901 and 1903, as implemented by FAR 12.102, for other than full and open competition.
Set-Aside
J.L. Shepherd and Associates is registered as a Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB).
Timeline & Response
- Published Date: March 27, 2026
- Response Date: April 27, 2026, 2:00 PM EDT (for interested parties to submit capability statements)
Additional Notes
This is a Notice of Intent to Award a Sole Source contract. J.L. Shepherd is the sole manufacturer of the identical model required, which is critical for the MAB site's design and operational plan. The urgency of the NWS threat and the need for proven technology support this sole-source justification. USDA has received priority rating authority (DPAS) for this procurement. Interested parties who believe they can meet the requirement should submit a capability statement by the response date.