Sources Sought Notice
Monitoring Ingredient Levels and Performance Quality of Dietary Supplements
Sources Sought #1139396-SS
This is a Sources Sought notice Only. This is NOT a solicitation for proposals, proposal abstracts, or quotations. This Sources Sought is issued for information and planning purposes only as part of USDA ARS market research and does not itself constitute an RFQ.
General Information
Dietary Supplements
Period of Performance for this task order is estimated to be September 25, 2024 through September 24 , 2029. The Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) has the authority to vary the number of samples to be analyzed for each nutrient/component listed in the attached spreadsheet, Nutrients and Number of Samples to Be Analyzed, not to exceed the total ceiling price of the order.
Task 1. Ingredient Analyses and Tests
The Contractor will periodically (usually once per year) receive task orders for the analysis of specific tests or ingredients, as awarded in the contract. Samples will be sent in batches during the term of each Task Order. The contractor will be informed about samples to be sent at least a week before shipment, or earlier if preferred. Over the course of a year, batches of samples may be clustered together, with 5-6 batches sent in a month and no samples sent for 2-3 months at a time. Upon receipt, samples are to be evaluated to determine whether all samples have been received and are in good condition and logged into the Contractor's database. Location is to be notified immediately in the event of any problems.
The laboratory shall use methods detailed in the proposal. Appropriate quality control procedures shall also be employed during the analyses and reported to location.
Task 2. Weighing, Homogenization, Storage of Dietary Supplement Samples
In general, supplement items will be shipped as sold (tablets, gel caps, hard and soft capsules, powder, chewable tablets, and liquids) and may include a variety of ingredients. Most will require weighing, grinding and/or homogenization appropriate for the form of the supplement. Samples are to be stored according to the instructions provided for that group of samples. Samples are to be handled in such a way as to maintain sample integrity for the ingredient content. All vitamins and other labile constituents in dietary supplements shall be analyzed within one day after preparing the homogenate. It is important to note that for chemical assays, the dietary supplement studies at MAFCL require at least 20 tablets/capsules/units to be homogenized. Aliquots from these homogenates should be used for assays and tests. Remaining sample material shall be stored until authorized by MAFCL to be discarded.
Task 3. Reporting Requirements
The contractor shall prepare reports as specified in the contract. Results of analyses shall be reported in the units and to the number of significant figures specified. Results of analytical analyses are due no more than 30 days after receipt of each set of samples for analysis.
This Sources Sought is only for the purpose of identifying potential sources as part of USDA ARS market research. The Government does not intend to make an award based on responses to this inquiry. This notice does not constitute a commitment by the Government.
Responses to the information requested will assist the Government in determining the appropriate acquisition method, including whether a set-aside is possible.
The purpose of this notice is to obtain information regarding the availability and capability of qualified sources including any Small Businesses; HUBZone small business; service-disabled, veteran-owned small business; 8(a) small business; veteran-owned small business; woman-owned small business; or small disadvantaged businesses. Please state if you are a large business or a small business according to the NAICS code listed in this Sources Sought.
All information submitted in response to this announcement is voluntary, and the Government will not pay for information requested nor will it compensate any respondent for any cost incurred in developing information provided to the Government.
Any organization responding to this notice should ensure that its response defines how it can specifically meet the specifications for the items requested. Respondents are advised that the Government is under no obligation to acknowledge receipt of the information received or provide feedback to respondents with respect to any information submitted. After reviewing the responses received, a Combined Synopsis solicitation notice may be published on Sam.gov.
Submit ALL the Following in order to be a valid response to this Sources Sought Notice:
- Capability Statement and/or product descriptions that demonstrate your ability to meet all of the specific requirements, including Company Contact Info.
- SAM.gov UEI Number.
- Identify if you are a Large business or a Small business with NACIS 541380.
Original Point of Contact: All responses to this Sources Sought Notice must be received by September 9, 2024, by 2:00 PM PDT, the specified due date and time to be considered and must include all items requested above.
Email responses to Elizabeth Wilson at Elizabeth.Wilson2@usda.gov.
Responses will not be returned. Responders are solely responsible for all expenses associated with responding to this Inquiry.
Do not submit pricing information in response to this Request.
Background
This Sources Sought notice is issued by the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) for market research purposes. The goal of the contract is to monitor ingredient levels and performance quality of dietary supplements, ensuring compliance with nutritional standards and safety regulations.
The USDA ARS aims to identify potential sources capable of fulfilling these requirements, including small businesses and other qualified entities.
Work Details
The contractor will perform the following tasks:
1. **Ingredient Analyses and Tests**: Conduct periodic analyses of specific tests or ingredients as directed in task orders. Samples will be sent in batches, with evaluations upon receipt to ensure all samples are accounted for and in good condition. Quality control procedures must be employed during analyses.
2. **Weighing, Homogenization, Storage of Dietary Supplement Samples**: Handle supplement items as sold, requiring appropriate preparation such as weighing and homogenization. Samples must be stored according to provided instructions, maintaining integrity for ingredient content. All vitamins and labile constituents must be analyzed within one day after preparation.
3. **Reporting Requirements**: Prepare reports detailing analysis results in specified units and significant figures. Results are due no later than 30 days after sample receipt.
Period of Performance
The estimated period of performance for this task order is from September 25, 2024, through September 24, 2029.
