Notice of Intent to Negotiate a Sole Source Contract

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), US Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE, intends to negotiate on a sole source basis for SCR HR LD tags amd complete cow monitoring system to SCR Dairy Inc. in Madison, Wisconsin; under the authority of FAR 6.302-1. The United States Meat Animal Research Service is in need of a complete cow monitoring system in order to monitor estrus activities of heifers and cows 24/7 and nearly real-time. SCR Dairy is the only identified company that has a complete monitor system available that is being used by producers daily. The tag/device seems unobtrusive to the animal and is held on to the animal by a collar. The tag detects movement and intensity of movement. The tag transmits data to the receiver/antennae 3X per hour and will hold 23 hours of data.

This is a notice of intent and is not a request for competitive quotations or proposals. No solicitation is available. Firms that believe they can provide this software are encouraged to identify themselves and provide a substantive statement with descriptive literature and any other supporting information to the Contracting Officer within 10 days of publication of this notice. All information received within 10 days of publication of this synopsis will be considered by the Government to determine if the alternative software meets the Government's requirements and is capable of performing the intended task(s). All responses must be in writing and may be faxed to the attention of Donita Furman, fax 402-762-4145, or email at donita.furman@ars.usda.gov. Questions concerning this acquisition must be directed to Donita Furman, email donita.furman@ars.usda.gov.