Notice of Intent to Award a Sole Source contract in accordance with RFO FAR 6.103-1

J.L. Shepherd is the original manufacturer of self-shielded irradiators. They provide a complete solution to the irradiator requirement, offering irradiator manufacturing, installation, relocation, maintenance, source reloading, and disposal. J.L. Shepherd is the sole manufacturer of the identical model e.g., model 484C-P, Sub-Model 484R-2D, of NWS irradiators in use at the Panama-United States Commission for the Eradication and Prevention of Screwworm Infestation in Livestock (COPEG) facility located in Panama.

This model is currently the only proven and tested model for sterilizing NWS by USDA and thus is the model that will need to be used at the new MAB site’s design and operational plan. The specifications and supporting materials and supplies for this specific model is what has been incorporated into the new MAB site’s procurement requirements.

Utilizing this model achieves two major objectives: - Utilizes irradiators that have been tested and utilized for the precise purpose of NWS pupae sterilization, in the volume and quantity required. This is in compliance with the Secretary of Agriculture’s strategy “use of proven sterile insect technology” and supported but USDA’s Office of Homeland Security, Radiation Safety Division; and - Incorporates a system accounted for in the design and operation of the building being designed at MAB in Edinburg, TX.

Delay in the award of this contract will seriously impact the ability of USDA to meet the Secretary of Agriculture’s Readiness and Response Policy Initiative, requiring this facility, and these irradiators, to be operational in 20 months. This facility will be a front-line defense, keeping the NWS from moving to the United States and infecting the Texas cattle overall agricultural industry.

As of January 2025, Texas is estimated to have approximately 12.2 million head of cattle, the leading state in beef production in the U.S. The industry contributes approximately $10 billion in revenues annually. The next potential impact, New Mexico, has an estimated 9,000 beef cattle ranches and contributes over 16,000 jobs, generating $1.68 billion in output.