SAM #1172844

Sole Source Synthetic Scent Training Aid and Canine Training for Screwworm Detection

This opportunity is a sole source solicitation from USDA APHIS PPQ for the development and delivery of synthetic scent training aids for canine detection of New World Screwworm larvae. - Agency: United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) - Sole source vendor: Polymath Intersciences LLC (patent holder for the required synthetic scent training aid) - Purpose: Develop and deliver non-biological synthetic scent kits that accurately mimic screwworm infestations for safe canine bio-detection training - Scope includes: - Research and development of synthetic scent aids based on New World Screwworm odor profiles - Training and validation of six canines to detect screwworm larvae - Delivery of enough synthetic training aids to imprint six canines for three months, with potential for additional supplies - Project management, monthly progress reports, and validation/testing of canine performance - Contract structure: - One-year firm fixed price contract with a ceiling of $1,000,000 - Up to five one-year ordering periods and a possible six-month extension - No specific part numbers provided; quantities specified for trained canines (6) and initial training aid supply - Requirement is driven by the patented nature of the synthetic scent kit and the need for safe, effective canine training without biosecurity risks

Description

SOLE SOURCE

Polymath Intersciences LLC - Has patent for Training Aid.

General Information

Scope of Work

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) require a scent-detection training aid for canine bio-detection sensitivity training. The canines will be used to accelerate the detection and eradication efforts of the New World Screwworm. This aid is required to be a non-biological substitute filling a critical gap in PPQ’s training process. Developing a synthetic scent kit that accurately mimics screwworm infestations will allow a safe training process without the possibility of unintentional spread outside of the training facility.

Background

Animal detection teams are essential for spotting screwworm infestations and protecting overall biosecurity. Training these teams with live or infested material has always carried real biosecurity and ethical risks, which is why a reliable synthetic scent would be a far safer and more consistent option.

Major outbreaks in Central America and Mexico are inching dangerously close to the U.S. border. Detection points have been found within 90 to 120 miles of the Texas-Mexico border, triggering strict federal agricultural surveillance and precautionary measures. Current training processes rely on live or infested specimens, creating both safety concerns and inconsistency. PPQ lacks a synthetic screwworm‑detection scent, leaving training less effective than it could be and more hazardous

The goal now is to create and validate a synthetic scent that accurately represents screwworm larvae so detection dogs can identify infestations with greater precision. Without this, detection efforts stay fragmented and imprecise, creating a significant gap in our ability to pinpoint the primary agents driving the infestation.

Solicitation responses are due 23 July 2026 at 4:00 PM

Read solicitation and SOW.

All questions come through Contracting Officer:

Todd K. Bierl (Major Program Contracting Officer) Emergency Acquisition Marketing and Regulatory Program Business (MRPBS) Acquisition and Asset Management Division (AAMD) Acquisition Branch Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Office#(612)336-3465 Cell# (612)500-1321/(763)286-8084

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