The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal Plant Health Inspection Services (APHIS), Internationals Services (IS) program in Mexico intends to award a sole source purchase order to Plato Industries, Inc. located in Houston, TX for boll weevil pheromone dispensers designed to fit the boll weevil insect traps owned and used by USDA APHIS in Mexico. The Plato boll weevil pheromone dispensers have proven release rates associated with this lure's specific dimensions and the patented plastiol product. This purchase will be conducted under the authority of FAR 13.106(b)(1)(i). Plato Industries is the manufacturer and the only source for the purchase of these supplies.

The boll weevil pheromone dispensers will be used in support of the USDA APHIS boll weevil monitoring and eradication program. Market research has indicated that the insect trapping and lure industry is fairly small, and other potential vendors contacted do not offer the required boll weevil pheromone dispensers. With the current near eradication of the boll weevil in the contiguous U.S., the interest in alternative domestic production of this product does not appear to be great.

Description of the Item Required: Pheromone Dispenser Specifications

Target Insect: Cotton Boll Weevil (Anthonomus grandis)

Components:
    Grandlure Complete: 0.010 gms.
    T-711 Plastisol: 1.147 gms.
    Microburst Foil Backed Paper: 0.043 gms.
    Total Weight: ~ 1.200 gms.

Size: 1 x 1 inch (2.54 x 2.54 cm)
Thickness: 0.060" +/- 3% (0.152 cm +/- 3%)
Toxicity Rating: Non Restricted Use
Field Life: 14 days
Shelf/Storage Life: One (1) year at ambient temperature in sealed packages, Up to two (2) years under refrigeration in sealed packages kept at 4 degrees C (40 degrees F)

The anticipated Purchase Order value is $68,494.00, including shipping to Brownville, TX. This notice is for informational purposes only. No formal solicitation will be issued. Any questions or inquiries or statements of equivalent capabilities must be e-mailed to the Contracting Specialist [email protected] as the point of contact in this notice by 3:00pm central time on September 19, 2018.

Bid Protests Not Available