STEC Detection Request for Information

THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) issued solely for information and planning purposes only, and does not constitute a Request for Quote (RFQ)/Invitation for Bid (IFB)/Request for Proposal (RFP). This notice does not commit the U.S. Government to contract for any supply or service. Furthermore, the U.S. Government is not seeking quotes, bids or proposals at this time and will not accept unsolicited proposals in response to this RFI. All information received in response to this RFI that is marked as proprietary will be handled accordingly.
In accordance with RFO Part 15.101(c) responses to this notice are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. Responders are solely responsible for all expenses associated with responding to this RFI, and Submittals will not be returned to the responder.

OBJECTIVE:

USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service is part of a science-based national system to ensure food safety and food defense. FSIS ensures food safety through the authorities of the Federal Meat Inspection Act, the Poultry Products Inspection Act, and the Egg Products Inspection Act, as well as humane animal handling through the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act. As such this RFI seeks to gather information on the commercial availability of kits for STEC detection and identification in raw beef or other food products. FSIS seeks to understand the level of granularity in STEC tests, specifically if the test provides stx subtype information.

VENDOR SUBMISSIONS:

Companies are encouraged to respond if they have the capability and capacity to provide the required tests/materials for this RFI.
Be advised that generic capability statements are not sufficient for effective evaluation of respondents' capacity and capability to provide the required testing. Refer to the attached statement of objectives in sections 4 and 5 for the required documentation. In addition to the requirements of Sections 4 and 5 of the SOO please provide the following: 1. Company name, mailing address, e-mail address, telephone, website address (if available), and the name, telephone number, and e-mail address of a point of contact having the authority and knowledge to clarify responses with Government representatives. 2. Name, title, telephone number, and e-mail addresses of individuals who can verify the demonstrated capabilities identified in the responses. 3. Business size for NAICS 334516 (Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing) with size limitation standards of 1,000 employees and status, if qualified as an 8(a) firm (must be