THIS IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. Under the authority of FAR 13.106, the USDA St. Paul, Minnesota Forest Health Protection Office intends to award, on a sole source basis, a Firm Fixed Purchase Order (PO), one year period of performance for Plant Disease and Insect Diagnostic Support for services to be executed at the University of Minnesota.

THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE PROPOSALS. This is a notice of intent to solicit and award a sole source contract under statutory authority in accordance with both 41 U.S.C. 253(c)(1) and FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i). The anticipated period of performance will be from on or about September 22, 2023, through September 21, 2024. The Proposed contract action is for services which the Government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source under the authority of FAR 13.106-1 (b)(1)(i).

Interested persons may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement. This notice of intent is NOT a request for proposals or quotations; it is a market research tool being utilized to determine the availability and adequacy of potential sources prior to awarding the contract. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed action based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. All inquiries on this action can be submitted in writing via e-mail to Patrick.Jones2@usda.gov no later than 20 September 2023, at 1100 hours EST. All information shall be furnished at no cost or obligation to the Government.

Contract type will be a Firm-Fixed Price one year order. NAICS code is 541380, Testing Laboratories and Services.

NOTICE OF INTENT TO SOLE SOURCE