Notice of Intent to Sole Source RFID Tag Panel Readers

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS) has issued a Special Notice of Intent to Sole Source a contract for RFID tag reader systems. The notice indicates USDA plans to award a noncompetitive contract to AllFlex USA LLC for installing twelve RFID reader systems at border locations in Mexico and New Mexico. Specifically, the contract will cover four RFID tag reader systems at U.S./Mexico Southern Border Port chutes in San Jeronimo, Chihuahua, Mexico, and eight additional systems at load-out chutes in Santa Teresa, New Mexico. The procurement will utilize simplified acquisition procedures for commercial items under FAR part 13.5, with the contract structured as a firm-fixed-price agreement. The notice emphasizes that while this is not a competitive solicitation, all responsible sources may submit a response for consideration.

The primary objective of this acquisition is to enhance cattle disease traceability by installing specialized RFID tag reader systems for monitoring Mexican cattle entering the United States. Contractors interested in responding must submit clear evidence of their capability to fulfill the specified requirements by email to Samantha Johnson (samantha.johnson3@usda.gov) no later than January 22nd at 3pm PT. While the government intends to award the contract to AllFlex USA LLC, they will review any submitted responses to potentially reconsider the sole-source approach. Eligibility is open to contractors who can demonstrate the technical ability to install and maintain these specialized RFID systems, with preference given to providers who have existing integration with USDA's Veterinary Services systems. The contract includes delivery, installation within 90 days, and ongoing maintenance, with the total project supporting the broader Animal Disease Traceability Program's goals of monitoring cross-border cattle movements.