ISO 17025 Accreditation

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, specifically the Department of Agriculture's Bureau of Food Safety & Laboratory Services, is seeking an independent third-party expert organization to develop and implement an ISO 17025 accreditation plan for its microbiology laboratory located in Harrisburg. The primary objective is to achieve ISO 17025:2005 accreditation for Salmonella testing in food, milk, dairy products, and animal feed by July 31, 2015. The selected contractor will be responsible for conducting a comprehensive business process analysis, reviewing laboratory equipment and documentation, providing weekly status reports, and delivering necessary staff training for four laboratory employees. Evaluation criteria will include understanding the problem, prior contractor experience, personnel qualifications, project work plan, cost, small diverse business participation, and domestic workforce utilization. Key submission deadlines include a pre-bid conference on November 13, 2014, and proposal due dates that were amended multiple times, with the final submission deadline set for December 10, 2014, at 3:00 pm EST. Proposals must include a narrative work plan, cost matrix, and details of three similar previous projects.

The solicitation is restricted to contractors qualified under the Commonwealth's Consulting Services Invitation to Qualify (ITQ) contract 4400007410, which limits the eligible bidder pool. Small diverse business participation is a key evaluation factor, and contractors are encouraged to maximize involvement of such businesses in the project. The Domestic Workforce Utilization Certification requires bidders to specify the percentage of direct labor performed within the United States or World Trade Organization Government Procurement Agreement countries, with maximum consideration given to offerors performing all direct labor domestically. Contractors must also complete a lobbying disclosure form certifying they have not used federally appropriated funds to influence government officials. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated, the contract will involve monthly payments contingent on satisfactory work performance, with reimbursement for accreditation fees. The FDA will be monitoring the accreditation process, and the Commonwealth will closely collaborate with the selected contractor to ensure successful implementation of the ISO 17025 accreditation.