THIS NOTICE OF INTENT IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS.  This notice is for informational purposes only and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government. This procurement will be processed pursuant to FAR part 12, Acquisition of Commercial Items and FAR part 13 Simplified Acquisition Procedures. No solicitation will be issued.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Plains Area, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center (USMARC), intends to award on a sole source basis to United Animal Health.  Contract type will be a Firm Fixed Price.  NAICS Code is 311119.  Award is in accordance with both 41 U.S.C. 253©(1) and FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i).  USMARC has previously and is currently using United Animal Health swine premix in swine rations.  Specifically, their HE Pellet, SS 400, HD 80, Sow Pac 45, and United 40LT.  For research continuity purposes and in order to properly look at the past digestive health and performance of the herd and compare it to the data moving forward, all feed variables that contribute to animal performance must remain the same.  United Animal Health products are proprietary and unable to be duplicated by other vendors.  Changing diet premixes and feed additives will alter performance of the herd and must be avoided to maintain the relevancy of experiments going forward.

All responsible sources who believe they can provide the supplies listed may submit, in writing to the identified point of contact, a capability statement, proposal, or quotation, which shall be considered by the agency. Information received will be considered solely for the purposes of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice. A determination by the Government to compete this proposed contract based on responses to this notice is solely at the discretion of the Government. Responses are to be received prior to the expiration of this notice. No telephone calls are being accepted.