ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation services

The USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), National Science Laboratories (NSL), USDA-AMS-S&T-LATD in Gastonia, NC and Blakeley, GA received a Sole Source justification for ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation services from A2LA in Frederick, MD.This procurement is for the acquisition of a sole source services using simplified procedures in accordance with FAR Part 13.The North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) number is 541380- Testing Laboratories and Services, with a business size standard of 15,561.Only one responsible source and no other item will satisfy the AMS requirement.Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) provides AMS with policy guidance and leadership therefore, it is necessary to maintain consistency for what accreditation requirements must be met for both Agencies.  The AMS and FSIS missions are closely related regarding food defense.  FSIS currently has A2LA under contract for accreditation services and A2LA’s expertise, combined with the

heightened sense of urgency to enhance the U.S. food defense capabilities due to the increase in international terrorist activity, precludes the need to seek outside competitionThis synopsis is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation for bids or proposals.  DO NOT submit a bid/quote at this time.Any offerors believing they can provide the required ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standard and AOAC International guidelines with scopes that include chemical and biological testing methodologies with all the features and functions of the requirement described above may provide evidence for consideration. Evidence must support the offeror's claim they can provide this brand name or equal. All qualified sources may submit a response, which if timely received, will be considered by this agency. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether a competitive procurement can be conducted. A determination not to compete this proposed procurement based on response to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Responses must be received NLT 1600 am Eastern Standard Time (EST) on 25 May 2022.Responses received after this will be considered late and will not be evaluated. Responses are required to be sent email to margaux.g.nenichka@usda.gov.The Government does not intend to pay for any information provided under this announcement. Contractors must have a current registration with the System for Award Management (SAM) http://www.sam.govQuestions should be addressed to the Primary POC Margaux Nenichka, Contract Specialist, margaux.g.nenichka@usda.gov.