Amendment 2 and Answers to Vendor Questions.docx

Amendment #2: Samples must be sent to ONLY the Western Laboratory.

USDA, FSIS, OPHS, Western Laboratory c/o WRRC, ARS, WAB 800 Buchanan St.

Albany, CA 94710 Contact Lindsey ILASIN, 510-982-4953

Vendor Questions:

1. To avoid disruptions in supply chain and increases raw material costs brought to light by recent global events, we are developing a new version of nBPW, 400mL in a domestically sourced container. We would like to propose the option to present the USDA with pricing for two catalog numbers of nBPW, 400ml. One of these will be the existing Cat. no. U181 currently in use by the USDA, and the second will be a comparable product in a new container. We have chosen to create a separate catalog number for this new product while in development to ensure a smooth transition to fulfill orders. We are happy to provide the necessary documentation and samples of the new product, if required. Please let us know if this is an acceptable path for quotation.

We would like to see a sample of the new product to ensure that it meets the microbiological requirements and also ensure that it can be used for shipping to our customers.

1. Please clarify the criteria stated below? How is solubility measured?

Section E4 FSIS Proposal Instructions to Offerors- Section B Technical #3 Technical Requirements “ Appearance – light amber, opaque with an even suspension of particles” Section E4 FSIS Proposal Instructions to Offerors- Section C Evaluation #2. Technical Evaluation Factors- Test Features Solubility of media for liquid or rehydrated product Minimum Criteria- Components’ ability to dissolve and remain in solution under refrigerated storage. If medium has unacceptable solubility, it fails and will not be further evaluated

If the final product upon arrival shows precipitate or comes out of solution, then a replacement will be requested. The lab currently has a visual inspection protocol in place where bottles are inspected for precipitation. Any sign of precipitation is noted and replacements for the entire lot are requested if a bottle does not meet the visual inspection requirements. The product will not be passed on for internal quality control testing or not passed on for distribution to customers.

1. Are CPARS evaluations and past performance a factor in making the award?

No.

1. Are sample to be sent to a single laboratory for evaluation, or should each Regional Laboratory receive samples?

We will need the sample of the product to be sent ONLY to the Western Laboratory, whose address is listed above.