3 SSJ 145023-25-0049.pdf

Version 2.0

Source Selection Information – see FAR 2.101 and 3.104

SINGLE SOURCE DETERMINATION USING

SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION PROCEDURES (SAP)

FOR AN ACTION NOT EXCEEDING THE SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION THRESHOLD

(AUTHORITY: FAR 13.106-1(b)(1))

145034-25-0075

1. Agency and contracting activity. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic Atmospheric

Administration, Oceanic Atmospheric Research, Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory

2. Description of supplies or services required to meet agency needs (including the estimated value).

This request is for the initiation of a contract to complete genomic and transcriptomic project deliverables, and to support NOAA AOML’s Omics initiatives. Conduct deep-sequencing of prepared genomic and transcriptomic libraries.

The expected period of performance is 30 September 2025 to 29 September 2026. The Government anticipates a firm fixed price contract with an estimated value of $34,398.00

3. Identification of the single source or the brand name to be solicited.

Novogene 2921 Stockton Blvd, Suite 1810 Sacramento CA 95817 POC: Jacob Hawkins Phone: 801-739-3787 Billing Email: jacob.hawkins@novogeneusa.com

4. Supporting rationale. Only one source or brand name is reasonably available as detailed below:

□ Other - Only one source is capable

Novogene offers rapid NovaSeq X sequencing of prepared genomic and transcriptomic libraries.

Sequencing times are also much faster relative to other sequencing providers, due to their automated standard operating procedures leveraging bespoke robotics custom fit to their needs.

These automated pipelines have reduced the sequencing batch effect variability to nearly 0 in-house.

Additionally, Novogene has processed genomic and transcriptomic libraries prepared from coral samples in this sample set in the past. This project uses uncommon library preparation methods using nested primers to achieve targeted microbes, which have already been synthesized at their facility from previous projects. Datasets generated between facilities influence data comparability. All the data for this project have thus far been produced by Novogene; therefore, this last portion of the entire dataset needs to be sequenced by them so that AOML has complete faith that the results are biological and not because of a technical bias choosing another facility to sequence the samples.

145034-25-0049

Source Selection Information – see FAR 2.101 and 3.104

AOML research and microbiome meta-analyses cross-comparing datasets from the archives online show that one of the most impactful biases as a feature to the data trends are that they are sequenced at different facilities, using varying chemistries on different instruments. Although one can identify facilities that match the sequencing parameters (e.g., instrument version), there's no guarantee that the library preparation of the samples is done similarly. Bioinformatics data is incredibly sensitive to technical biases; there is a plethora of research supporting this, which is why the field has identified these sources of error and does everything in its power to limit them. When sequencing is isolated to one facility, that variability and error associated with the SOPs are substantially reduced. If the sequencing is done at another facility, the variance in the data could throw off the biological interpretations so much that the entire point of the study could be in jeopardy. This is particularly impactful when trying to detect biomarkers in disease samples to identify potential pathogens, which are inherently difficult to isolate to begin with and are commonly low in detection.

Finally, the metatranscriptomic and metagenomic sequencing approach will provide far deeper insights into the microbiome and pathobiome of corals. These will lay the basis for improving coral disease diagnostic methodologies, which will place AOML at the forefront of this kind of research.

5. Market Research.

In an effort to locate further sources, the Government conducted market research that included searching GSA, UNICOR, and Source America. Market research confirmed that Novog meets the requirements for the exact specifications for this work that will ensure the critical continuity with previous sequencing done for this and related projects.

6. Technical/Requirements Representative Certification

I certify that this requirement constitutes the Government’s minimum needs and the supporting data provided herein is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Jasmin John Date Acting Director, AOML Ocean Chemistry and Ecosystems Division

7. Determination

I hereby determine that the circumstances of this action deem only one source is reasonably available. This determination is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Darrin Moore, Contracting Officer Date