Sources Sought Notification 12405B24Q0404 for Adaptive Sampling Metagenomic Sequencing – Oladeinde for the USDA, ARS, Egg Safety and Quality Research Unit, 950 College Station Road Athens GA, 30605.
This is a Sources Sought Announcement issued by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for informational and planning purposes only. This is NOT a solicitation, nor is it an announcement for a forthcoming solicitation. Submission of any information in response to this notification is purely voluntary. The Government assumes no financial responsibility for any costs incurred in providing a response.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service, Athens, GA is requesting information regarding the capability to provide nanopore metagenomic sequencing and analysis.
PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES:
See attached Statement of Work for requirement details.
The University of Alaska Institute of Arctic Biology Genomics Core Laboratory has been a co-collaborator with ARS researchers. Two pilot samples were originally provided to the U. of Alaska Genomics Core Lab as a proof-of-concept and to optimize testing conditions to match our needs for the present set of samples. As all sample sets are part of the same project, it is imperative that the samples coming from ARS are processed and analyzed at the same metagenomics facility that provides identical technical and analytical parameters for every sample set in order to maintain continuity of data between all collaborators. Failure to utilize the U. of Alaska Genomics Core Lab would nullify the research efforts therefore they are the only known source that can provide the services for this continued research.
This is not a request for proposals, but instead market research to determine capable vendors prior to issuing a solicitation. A determination by the Government on the method of competing this requirement has not been established. The Government will not award a contract based on this Sources Sought Notice or the information received, nor will it reimburse participants for the information they provide. If you are an interested vendor, please provide the following information: 1) Business name and point of contact; 2) UEI number and CAGE code; 3) business size; and 4) a brief statement of Capability (no more than three pages) which demonstrates the ability to meet the specialized work requirements above. Include any past performance information on contracts of similar size and scope. Electronic responses are preferred. Information provided will not be used as a part of any subsequent solicitation requirement. Interested sources who submit data are responsible for appropriately marking information if it is proprietary in nature. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed contract action based on this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Responses are due no later than 12 p.m., Central Time, on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, to the attention of Shalunda Mix, Contracting Officer, via e-mail to shalunda.mix@usda.gov.
