Avian Flu Milk Testing Pilot Program

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is requesting proposals for avian influenza milk testing services under a pilot program, with proposals due October 30, 2026 through the JAGGAER portal.

The scope encompasses onsite testing at approximately 30 dairy processors in southeastern Pennsylvania on a bi-monthly basis at no more than 15 locations per month, or alternatively sample collection at dairy processors with centralized testing. Offerors must demonstrate experience performing milk testing in lactating dairy herds and capability to test for Influenza A using polymerase chain reaction methodology approved by the National Veterinary Services Laboratories. Testing must comply with ISO 17025 and National Animal Health Laboratory Network standards; all confirmatory testing must follow NAHLN policies or be conducted through NVSL. Monthly status reports detailing sample numbers and dairy farm representation are required, with immediate phone notification to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture of non-negative results.

Technical submissions must address qualifications, prior experience, personnel resources, subcontracting plans (which are prohibited without express written Commonwealth approval), emergency preparedness and continuity of operations plans, and detailed work plans with person-hour allocations and timeline displays. Offerors must demonstrate financial capability. Cost submissions must specify the quantity of tests and net cost per individual test, inclusive of labor expenses, supplies, testing fees, and travel expenses.

All proposals must be submitted electronically through JAGGAER; offerors are required to create user profiles within the portal. Offerors must accept the Commonwealth's standard terms and conditions or clearly identify objections; failure to identify objections results in waiver of negotiation rights. Technical support is available through JAGGAER Support at (800) 233-1121.