The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), GIPSA (Grain, Inspection, Packers & Stockyards Administration), TSD (Technical Services Division) Laboratory in Kansas City, MO intends to issue a sole source blanket purchase agreement award to 3M Company headquartered in St. Paul, MN for microbial testing supplies used for commodity testing under the authority of FAR 6.302-1 and 41 U.S.C. 253(c)(1). The TSD Laboratory is responsible for maintaining the reference methods for all official services provided by GIPSA to facilitate the marketing of grain, providing official services, and developing and maintaining methods for accurately predicting the quality of grain and grain products moving through the U.S. marketplace. GIPSA has standardized specific commodity testing protocols to ensure accuracy and consistency of GIPSA's test results. The standardized microbial testing uses Petrifilm® and Tecra® brand test plates, test kits, and related products that are solely available from 3M. Based on market research by GIPSA scientists, the use of another company's test plates and or test kits would require extensive testing and the current methods using 3M products are accepted by the international trading partners of the U.S. The blanket purchase agreement establishes firm-fixed pricing for specific items, and the total value over 5 years (10/01/2010 to 09/30/2015) is not-to-exceed $250,000.00. This notice is for informational purposes only. No formal solicitation will be issued. Any questions or inquiries must be mailed, e-mailed or faxed to the Contracting Officer, to the attention of the point of contact listed in this notice. Point of contact: Michael Chiodi, Contracting Specialist, (612) 336-3203, FAX: (612) 336-3550, E-mail: [email protected].

 

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