ACAN -Frozen Transportation of Field Research Crop Samples

The Department of Agriculture and Agri-food Canada (AAFC) has a requirement for the provision of frozen transportation of field research crop samples from multiple research sites in Canada to analytical laboratories in Ontario and the United States of America, in compliance with the requirements of OECD Good Laboratory Practices (GLP). Through the Minor Use Pesticide Program (MUPP), AAFC conducts 30-40 pesticide residue studies annually with 150-200 individual trials located at OECD Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) accredited AAFC research centres and private research companies across Canada. Crop samples generated from the trials must be analyzed to determine the level of pesticide residues at GLP accredited analytical laboratories. In order to maintain sample integrity prior to analysis, crop samples must be frozen and maintained frozen at all time, including during transport from field sites to laboratories. Integrity of the frozen samples is an essential component of GLP. Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) requires research trials for the determination of pesticide residues to be conducted in compliance with GLP requirements for the purposes of obtaining registration of pesticide products in Canada. The work will involve the following: collection of identified frozen samples from identified field research sites; maintenance of temperatures below freezing during transport; delivery of samples to the identified analytical laboratories in Ontario or the United States of America; completion of specified documentation in compliance with the requirements of GLP. This service is required annually (usually Oct-Dec) for a period of three years. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) has the requirement to establish a professional services contract with Agricultural Chemicals Development Services, Inc. (A.C.D.S., Inc.) for these services. The purpose of this Advance Contract Award Notice (ACAN) is to signal the government's intention to award a contract for these services to: ACDS Trucking P.O. Box 100 Phelps, NY 14532 Before awarding the contract, however, the government would like to provide other suppliers with the opportunity to demonstrate that they are capable of satisfying the requirements set out in this Notice, by submitting a statement of capabilities during the 15 calendar day posting period. If other potential suppliers submit a statement of capabilities during the 15 calendar day posting period that meet the requirements set out in the ACAN, the government will proceed to a full tendering process on either the government's electronic tendering service or through traditional means, in order to award the contract. If no other supplier submits, on or before the closing date, a statement of capabilities meeting the requirements set out in the ACAN, the contract will be awarded to the pre-selected supplier, as referenced above.