Notice of Intent to Sole Source - Emergent Screwworm Analysis
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 USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) has issued a Special Notice announcing its intent to award a sole source contract to Michigan State University (MSU) Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (VDL) for Emergent Screwworm Analysis. This notice is for informational purposes, seeking capabilities from other interested parties by May 12, 2026, 1:00 pm MDT.
Purpose & Scope
This requirement is for the development and application of a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) assay method. The assay will quantitatively determine macrocyclic lactones (specifically ivermectin and doramectin) in approximately 1300 bovine plasma samples. This analysis is crucial for an emergent New World screwworm research study, aiming to establish pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters in beef cattle, including method validation and quantitative verification. The work will support the USDA-ARS Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory in Kerrville, TX.
Sole Source Justification
MSU VDL has been identified as the sole source due to its unique qualifications and capabilities. These include state-of-the-art technologies and expertise in detecting natural and synthetic toxicants, the ability to perform analyses not routinely offered by other veterinary diagnostic labs, and membership in the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Food Emergency Response Network (FERN) and Veterinary Laboratory Investigation and Response Network (Vet-LIRN). MSU VDL possesses exclusive experience within the Vet-LIRN network in detecting ivermectin in bovine plasma, employs American Board of Veterinary Toxicology certified toxicologists, and has highly experienced scientists capable of developing new assays with advanced equipment for detecting low quantities of toxicants.
Contract Details
- Opportunity Type: Special Notice / Notice of Intent to Sole Source
- Contracting Authority: Simplified Acquisition and Sole Source Justification (SSJ) procedures under FAR 12.102(a) for acquisitions below the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT).
- Product/Service Code: B529 - Scientific Data Studies
- NAICS Code: 541714 - Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology), with a small business size standard of 1,000 employees.
- Place of Performance: Kerrville, TX, United States
- Anticipated Delivery: Within 60 days of award.
Response Information
- Response Deadline: May 12, 2026, 1:00 pm Mountain Daylight Time (MDT)
- Action for Interested Parties: Submit written substantiating documentation via email to demonstrate capabilities and explain why competition would be advantageous to the government.
- Submission Method: Email only; oral communications are not acceptable.
- Registration Requirement: Responders must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) with a current and active registration.
- Contact: Frank Palmer, frank.palmer@usda.gov
- Disclaimer: This notice does not obligate the government to make an award or pay for any costs incurred in responding. Responses will inform the acquisition strategy, and the government reserves the right to use non-proprietary technical information.