Potato Cyst Nematode (PCN) Sampling

The State of Utah, through the Division of Purchasing and the Department of Agriculture and Food, is seeking a contractor to conduct Potato Cyst Nematode (PCN) sampling in Cache County. The primary objective is to survey 100% of certified seed potato production, covering approximately 700 acres, with a requirement to collect one soil sample per acre consisting of at least 100 25-gram sub-samples. The sampling project aims to support early pest detection, maintain interstate and international trade capabilities, and facilitate export certification of seed potatoes. Vendors must follow USDA National PCN survey guidelines, possess GPS/GIS capabilities for tracking sample collection, and be prepared to submit all samples to the USDA PCN Lab in Idaho Falls for analysis. The contract will be awarded to the lowest cost, responsive, and responsible vendor, with a contract length of one year and strict performance requirements. Key deadlines include completing all sampling work by December 1, 2025, and submitting all data and information by December 31, 2025. The solicitation was posted on September 19, 2025, with proposal responses due by September 26, 2025.

The procurement does not explicitly specify set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. Vendors must meet comprehensive prerequisites, including compliance with technology standards, background check requirements, and anti-boycott certifications. Potential contractors must use existing State of Utah Department of Technology Services cloud service accounts and meet security standards like FedRAMP or GovRAMP. The project is funded through a USDA agreement with a budget of $32,000, indicating the potential contract value. Vendors must provide comprehensive insurance coverage, including workers' compensation, commercial general liability, and commercial automobile liability. They are also required to verify employment status and comply with state and federal laws. The solicitation emphasizes strict procurement guidelines, with the state reserving the right to reject bids that do not meet specified criteria or attempt to modify standard terms and conditions. Given the critical nature of preventing potential economic impacts from Potato Cyst Nematodes, which can cause up to 80% yield loss, the contract represents a significant agricultural protection initiative.