Household Food Purchases and Health, and Retail Sales and Store Characteristics

The intent of this Pre-solicitation Notice is for informational purposes only. The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Contracting Operations Branch (COB) intends to award a sole source contract to Information Resources, Inc. for data on (a) Characteristics and location of all stores in a defined universe of food retailers, (b) Prices and quantities of food items purchased by a representative panel of U.S. households (who record daily purchases throughout a calendar year) and demographic information characterizing each household, (c) Data and information on each household’s health status, and (d) Weekly prices and quantities of food sales in all U.S. stores within the defined universe of food retailers. This data and information is needed to support a variety of USDA research to understand the influence of the broad economic forces that shape consumer food choices and food market outcomes.

The proposed contract will be awarded using a Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition (JOFOC) procedures citing the authority at 41 USC 253(c)(1) as implemented by FAR 6.302-1(2)(ii), supplies and services may be deemed to be available only from the original source in the case of a follow-on contract when it is likely that award to any other source would result in (A) Substantial duplication of cost to the Government that is not expected to be recovered through competition, or (B) Unacceptable delays in fulfilling the agency’s requirements. The justification for other than full and open competition is attached for reference.

The synopsis does NOT constitute an Invitation for Bids (IFB), a Request for Proposals (RFP) or Request for Quotes (RFQ) nor does it restrict the Government as to its ultimate acquisition approach.  The Government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this notice nor will it reimburse firms for any costs associated with preparing or submitting a response to this notice.  However, all responsible sources, meeting the requirements as specified in the Statement of Work which, if received within 15 calendar days of publication of this notice shall be considered by the Government.  All responses must be submitted to the Government primary point of contact at the contracting office address shown below. If no written responses are received after the publication of this notice the contract will be awarded without further notice.  A determination by the Government not to open the requirement to competition based upon the responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government.