USDA, Food Safety and Inspection Service, ASD, PCS, Room 2159 South Building, 14th & Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-3700

65 -- SALMONELLA SCREENING TESTS SOL FSIS-3-W-96 DUE 020996 POC Contact Point, Julie Adams, (202)720-9891 The Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) seeks to automate Salmonella species screening test for regulatory testing in its laboratories. The estimated volume is approximately 60,000 tests annually. The required test must meet the following characteristics: 1. The test must meet or exceed the following performance characteristics: sensitivity = 100%; specificity )/= 93%; false-negative rate = 0%; and false-positive rate (/= 7%. The test method should detect Salmonella accurately with no false negatives and few or no false positives. 2. Fast results. 3. Minimmize biological hazards. 4. Minimize hands-on technical time. 5. Minimize technical competence. The test methodology should be capable of being performed and interpreted by a non-microbiologist with limited training. 6. Minimize physical resources. The test methodology should not require expensive specialized equipment. 7. Minimize test cost. The test methodology should be inexpensive so that FSIS can contemplate at least one test per working day in each of its 1300 inspected slaughter establishments. 8. Since thest test will be used to make regulatory decisions, preference will be given to tests which either have received AOAC International approval or approval by collaborative trials through another scientifically-based third party reviewer. 9. Low-cost, automated methods capable of processing large volumes of samples will be given preference over manual methods. Computer-generated results are preferable and automated data entry into existing FSIS computer generated data capture and reporting system is desirable. 10. Only fully-developed, commercially available screening tests will be considered. Responsible sources shall submit documentation supporting items 1 -10 above, product inserts, and cost per test to Julie Adams at the above address. All information must be received by February 9, 1996. This request is for information and planning purposes only and does not commit the Government. There is NO SOLICITATION DOCUMENT AVAILABLE. FSIS does not intend to award a contract based on the information received. Vendors are reminded that only the Contracting Officer has the authority to commit Government funds. (0016)

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