Attachment 1 - Statement of Work_updated.docx

ATTACHMENT 1

STATEMENT OF WORK (updated, 6/11/2025)

A. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND:

Our objective is to characterize the transcriptional changes in mouse brain and lung tissues resulting from exposure to high-fat diet and/or environmental toxins, particularly in models of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). These insights will help identify mechanisms contributing to neuroinflammation and cognitive decline, with potential translational relevance for Veterans impacted by diet and toxic exposures.

2. OBJECTIVE:

We seek a contractor to perform single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) on dissociated mouse brain and lung tissues using the Parse Biosciences Evercode platform. Samples will consist of male and female mice either sham-exposed (control) or exposed to high-fat diet and/or burn pit-derived particulate matter. This analysis will help uncover cell-specific transcriptional responses to these exposures.

3. MAJOR REQUIREMENTS:

Contractor shall be able to process, sequence, and quantify the RNA from our samples on a massive scale (in reference, specifically, to the depth and complexity of data generated by single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq, not the overall number of samples) with high-accuracy, dependability, and reproducibility. Although the VA anticipates sending 4 to 20 samples per year, each sample contains thousands of individual cells. Each of these cells is individually profiled, generating extensive data that can exceed 100 million sequencing reads per sample. Therefore, while the sample count is modest, the scale of the transcriptomic data and analytic demand is significant.

The specific task the contractor shall perform involves receiving samples, performing RNA library preparation, sequencing of the RNA, and preparing a data output including sequence identity and quantity for all samples.

Contractor shall provide start-to-finish advanced genetic sequencing and quantitation services tailored to the analysis of single-cells. “Start-to-finish” includes the comprehensive workflow required for single-cell RNA sequencing using the PARSE platform, to include RNA tagging, library construction, sequencing, and bioinformatics. This workflow is distinct from bulk RNA-seq and requires specialized expertise and platform compatibility. Contractor laboratory must be able to provide accurate and reproducible quantitative results for a variety of tissue types and sequencing modalities. Data generated in this project will be owned by the VA. After the contract is completed, the contractor shall return any unused samples to the VA. The Government will provide the funding for the transfer and services provided by the Contractor. The lab anticipates sending 4 to 20 samples per year depending on experimental outcomes.

4. GOVERNMENT FURNISHED INFORMATION OR MATERIAL: N/A

5. MEETINGS AND REVIEWS: N/A

6. TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: N/A

7. CONTRACTING OFFICER'S REPRESENTATIVE (COR):

COR: Manokao Yang manokao.yang@va.gov 612-467-3883

No Government personnel, other than the Contracting Officer, have the authority to change or alter these requirements. The COR shall clarify technical points or supply relevant technical information, but no requirements in this scope of work may be altered as a sole result of such verbal clarification.

8. REPORTS/DELIVERABLES:

Contractor will receive mouse lung and brain samples and deliver a data report detailing the RNA transcripts that were identified and quantified. Data report shall be provided within 30 days after Contractor confirms receipt of the samples.

COST ($)

Base Year - TOTAL DIRECT LABOR

COST ($)

Option Year 1 - TOTAL DIRECT LABOR

COST ($)

Option Year 2 - TOTAL DIRECT LABOR

COST ($)

Pre-made libraries lane sequencing (NovaSeq X Plus 25B PE150)

Library QC

FTP

Option Year 3 - TOTAL DIRECT LABOR

COST ($)

Option Year 4 - TOTAL DIRECT LABOR

CONTRACT TOTAL

9. PERIOD OF SERVICE:

The services under this contract shall be provided from 6/30/2025 - 6/29/2030.

10. CONTRACTOR QUALIFICATIONS:

The contractor must be able to receive samples, perform NA library preparation, sequencing of the RNA, and preparing a data output including sequence identity and quantity for all samples.

11. SECURITY/NATIONAL AGENCY CHECK REQUIREMENTS:

Certification and Accreditation Authorization (C&A) requirements do not apply, and a Security Accreditation Package is not required.