USDA Domestic New World Screwworm

Justification Review Document (J&A) for Other Than Full and Open Competition

This document justifies the use of "Other Than Full and Open Competition" under FAR 6.302-2 (Unusual and Compelling Urgency) for the Design Build of a new domestic New World Screwworm (NWS) Sterile Fly Production Facility. The facility is urgently needed by the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to support efforts to prevent a devastating NWS outbreak in the United States.

• Procurement: A firm-fixed-price Design-Build standalone contract for the immediate design and construction of a specialized, complex facility.

• Production Capacity: The facility must be capable of producing up to 300 million sterile NWS flies per week.

• Purpose: Essential for the USDA's Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) program to prevent NWS spread into the U.S. and protect livestock and wildlife.

• Biosecurity: Facility must meet stringent biosecurity and containment requirements.

• Potential Brand Name Equipment: Execution may require specific brand name equipment for irradiation technique and diet mixer, potentially installed by directed subcontractors.

• Contract Type: Design-Build standalone "C" type contract.

• Period of Performance: Construction of the first 100 million sterile flies per week capacity is estimated at 12-18 months. Construction of the remaining 200 million flies per week capacity may take up to 48 months.

• Estimated Value: The estimated value of this procurement is [Amount Redacted].

• Competition Limitation: The Phase I solicitation will be limited to 5 highly qualified contractors.

• Solicitation Period: An accelerated solicitation period is planned, with a response time of up to twenty-one days.

• Evaluation: Focus on prompt delivery of actionable proposals from technically capable firms.

• Small Business: Market research indicated no small businesses capable of executing the requirement with sufficient bonding capacity. The search identified 5 firms capable of meeting the technical and time-sensitive requirements.

• Authority: Justified under 10 U.S. Code 3204(a)(2) due to unusual and compelling urgency.

• Reason for Urgency: Recent NWS outbreaks in Mexico and Central America pose a significant threat to U.S. agriculture, economy, public health, and national security.

• Alternatives Considered: Full and open competition, extension of existing contracts, and use of in-house resources were deemed not feasible due to unacceptable delays.

• Market Research: Extensive market research was conducted, including a Sources Sought notice, to identify capable sources. The primary NWS production facility is currently in Panama; this is the first domestic facility of its type.

• Approval Date: November 5, 2025.