RFQ For BSE Sample Collection IDIQ

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a pricing schedule for the opportunity, detailing the estimated quantities and unit prices for supplies across multiple ordering periods. Bidders will use this to understand the cost structure and potentially submit their pricing.

• Ordering Periods: The schedule is broken down into five ordering periods, spanning from the Date of Award through 2031.
• CLINs (Contract Line Item Numbers): Specific CLINs are listed for each period.
• Description of Supply: The supplies involve "BSE Sample collection (3d/4d and CNS)" at three different facility locations: Clovis, NM; Plainview, TX; and Stratford, TX (serving MO, AK, and OK).
• Estimated Quantities: For each CLIN and ordering period, an estimated quantity per ordering period is provided.
• Unit Price: A placeholder for the "Price Per Sample" is indicated with a '$' symbol, requiring bidder input.
• Contract Totals: Placeholders for total prices are also included.

This pricing schedule is critical for bidders to understand the anticipated scope of work in terms of sample collection services and quantities over a multi-year period. It serves as the basis for developing and submitting their price proposals for each CLIN and ordering period.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "VS Guidance 7800.1," provides detailed procedures and guidance for the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Veterinary Services (VS) in carrying out the Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) Ongoing Surveillance Program. It outlines the program's objectives, background, and operational procedures.

• Program Objective: To monitor and assess changes to the BSE status of U.S. cattle and detect BSE as early as possible, meeting or exceeding OIE "Type B" surveillance standards.
• Targeted Subpopulations: Details specific cattle groups for surveillance, including clinical suspects, casualty/emergency slaughter, and fallen stock.
• Sampling Procedures: Outlines methods for sample collection, including specific sites (on-farm, diagnostic labs, slaughter establishments) and required documentation.
• Animal Identification: Emphasizes the importance of accurate identification for tracing.
• Data Collection: Specifies required forms (VS 17-146, VS 17-146A, VS 17-131) and data points.
• Communication & Reporting: Describes protocols for reporting test results and coordinating with relevant agencies.
• Humane Handling & Disposal: Covers procedures for humane handling of livestock and disposal of carcasses and offal.
• Cost Recovery: Details payment structures for sample collection and related services.

While this document is primarily a procedural guidance for government personnel and approved contractors, it is relevant to potential bidders involved in animal health surveillance, veterinary services, or related fields. It clarifies the operational framework, requirements, and standards for the BSE surveillance program, which could inform bids for related contracts or services. Understanding these detailed procedures is crucial for any entity seeking to participate in or support this government program.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial services to conduct an ongoing Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) Surveillance program. The program requires the collection of brain stem samples from cattle across the United States. The targeted population includes cattle 12 months of age or older exhibiting clinical signs of central nervous system (CNS) impairment or those condemned during ante-mortem inspection due to poor health status (non-ambulatory, unhealthy, or dead).

• Collect brain stem samples from cattle meeting specific age and health criteria.

• Identify, collect, document, package, and ship samples to designated laboratories.

• Enter submission and surveillance data electronically into the Veterinary Services Laboratory Submissions (VSLS) system.

• Provide personnel, labor, supervision, supplies, and equipment for sample collection.

• Comply with all applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulations, and policies regarding animal handling, carcass storage, and disposal.

• Maintain an effective quality control and inspection system.

• Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ).

• Period of Performance: Anticipated 5 Ordering Periods.

• Minimum Order Amount: $1,000.00.

• Maximum Cumulative Value: $6,000,000.00.

• Submission: Quotes are due by March 24, 2026, at 1700 (5 PM) Eastern Time. Submit via email to Mario.Garcia2@usda.gov, including the solicitation name and number in the subject line.

• Offer Acceptance Period: 90 calendar days from the date specified for receipt of offers.

• Evaluation Criteria: Award will be made to the offeror representing the best value to the Government, based on the lowest price technically acceptable criteria. Price will be evaluated for fairness and reasonableness. Technical Acceptability will be rated as "acceptable" or "unacceptable" based on the offeror's ability to meet all requirements. Past Performance will also be evaluated.

• This acquisition is set-aside for small business concerns.

• It is a Total Small Business Set-Aside.

• The North American Industry Classification Standard (NAICS) Code is 561990.

• The small business size standard is $16.0 Million.

• See "Attachment 1 – IDIQ RFQ Body Solicitation Terms and Conditions" for applicable clauses, instructions, and evaluation criteria.

• See "Attachment 2 – Pricing Schedule” for pricing information.

• See "Attachment 3 - VS Guidance 7800.1 Procedures for Sample Collection."

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, VS Guidance 7800.1, provides detailed guidance for carrying out the procedures within the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Veterinary Services' (VS) Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) Ongoing Surveillance Program. It outlines the program's objectives, background, and the specific procedures for sample collection, animal identification, data collection, and communication of test results.

• Program Objective: To monitor and assess changes to the BSE status of U.S. cattle and detect BSE as early as possible, meeting or exceeding OIE "Type B" surveillance standards.
• Targeted Subpopulations: Identifies specific categories of cattle for surveillance, including clinical suspects, casualty (or emergency) slaughter, and fallen stock.
• Sample Collection: Details procedures for collecting samples from various locations (on-farm, diagnostic labs, slaughter establishments, etc.) and specifies the types of samples (brain stem).
• Animal Identification: Emphasizes the importance of accurate animal identification throughout the process for tracing origins.
• Data Collection: Outlines required fields for submission forms (e.g., collection site, date, reason for submission, identification details, clinical signs).
• Communication & Reporting: Describes the process for communicating test results between laboratories, submitters, and relevant agencies.
• Humane Handling & Disposal: Covers protocols for humane handling of livestock and the disposal of carcasses and offal.
• Cost Recovery: Details payment structures and cost recovery guidelines for sample collection and related services.

While this document is primarily a procedural guidance for government personnel and approved contractors, it provides critical information for any entity involved in or potentially affected by the BSE surveillance program. It clarifies the scope, methodology, and requirements of the surveillance activities, which could be relevant for understanding regulatory expectations, potential contractual opportunities related to sample collection or processing, or for businesses involved in the cattle industry that may be subject to these procedures.