JA Sole Source Neogen-GeneSeek Revised.pdf

JUSTIFICATION FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

(SOLE OR SINGLE SOURCE)

In accordance with the authority granted under FAR Part 13, this request for a noncompetitive acquisition is hereby submitted for consideration for acquisition approval.

1. IDENTIFICATION OF THE AGENCY AND THE CONTRACTING

ACTIVITY:

Requesting Agency:

USDA, APHIS, Wildife Services (WS)

National Wildlife Research Center (NWRC) 4101 LaPorte Avenue Fort Collins, CO 80521

Contracting Activity:

USDA, APHIS, MRPBS, AAMD

Procurement Branch 250 Marquette Avenue, Suite 410 Minneapolis, MN 55401

2. NATURE AND/OR DESCRIPTION OF THE ACTION BEING

APPROVED:

We are requesting High Density Single Nucleotide Polymorphism genotyping services for feral swine.

GeneSeek, a Neogen Company is the leader in the field of agricultural and animal sciences genomics. Their large market share allows them to provide full-service genotyping (acceptance of genetic samples, DNA extraction, and genotype quantification, and delivery of data) at a substantially discounted price. Further, GeneSeek has become the industry standard for genotyping. Accordingly, they have been contracted by collaborative agencies within USDA (Agricultural Research Services) for their genotyping needs. For these reasons, GeneSeek was awarded genotyping contracts in Fiscal Years 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019 in which NWRC scientists collectively genotyped over 12,400 feral swine using GeneSeek’s proprietary genotyping bead array. In order to continue building a seamless, long-term consistent dataset and maximize the scientific return on financial investment, it is necessary to continue contracting with GeneSeek for our genotyping needs. Further, through these now 4 years of contracting, they have provided and continue to provide an excellent product and customer service.

3. A DESCRIPTION OF THE SUPPLIES, EQUIPMENT, OR SERVICES

REQUIRED TO MEET AGENCY NEEDS (INCLUDING THE ESTIMATED

VALUE OF THE ACQUISITION INCLUSIVE OF OPTIONS):

We are requesting high density SNP genotyping services employing GeneSeek’s proprietary 70k (70,000+ genetic markers) GGP HD SNP chip. The agency is in need of genotyping services that provide very high resolution of the genetic differentiation among individual pigs and among feral swine populations across the United States. High resolution genetic information will maximize the return on investment by allowing these genotypes to be used for numerous management and research projects. This information will allow NWRC to develop a detailed map of feral swine genetics across the United States, describe the patterns of range expansion of feral swine via both natural dispersal and human-facilitated introduction, identify cryptic elements of feral swine ecology such as dispersal distance and variation in reproductive success, and quantify the relative susceptibility of feral swine populations to various pathogens that are important for both domestic pig production and human health. Understanding acquired through the analysis of genetic patterns will inform future disease surveillance and guide future feral swine eradication efforts.

Vendor Name & Address:

GeneSeek, A Neogen Company 4131 N. 48th St.

Lincoln, NE 68504 USA

Website: http://www.neogen.com/Genomics/

Contact & Phone Number:

Ben Pejsar Product Manager Neogen | GeneSeek | Igenity 4131 N. 48th St.

Lincoln, NE 68504

(402) 435-0665 bpejsar@neogen.com

Total Contract Value: $220,000.00 for a 2 year contract

4. IDENTIFICATION OF THE STATUATORY AUTHORITY PERMITTING

NONCOMPETITIVE ACQUISITIONS:

FAR 6.302-1 – Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements. 41 U.S.C. 3304(a)(1).

5. A DEMONSTRATION THAT THE PROPOSED CONTRACTOR’S UNIQUE

QUALIFICATIONS OR THE NATURE OF THE ACQUISITION REQUIRES

USE OF THE AUTHORITY CITED:

High resolution genotypic data is essential for us to address questions related to the origins of feral swine, invasion history, and patterns of introduction throughout the United States. It is necessary to continue contracting with GeneSeek for the development of a consistent dataset with genotyping efforts conducted in Fiscal Years 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019 in which NWRC scientists genotyped >12,400 feral swine using GeneSeek’s proprietary GGP HD SNP array, necessitates continuing to contract with this firm for genotyping efforts in FY2020. The dataset was developed using GeneSeek’s proprietary bead array.

6. A DESCRIPTION OF EFFORTS MADE TO ENSURE THAT OFFERS ARE

SOLICITED FROM AS MANY POTENTIAL SOURCES AS IS PRACTICABLE, INCLUDING

WHETHER A NOTICE WAS, OR WILL BE, PUBLICIZED AS REQUIRED BY FEDERAL

ACQUISITION REGULATION (FAR) SUBPART 5.2, AND IF NOT, WHICH EXCEPTION

UNDER FAR 5.202 APPLIES:

The current dataset developed within the National Feral Swine Genetic Archive with >12,400 genotypes was produced with GeneSeek’s proprietary bead array. Illumina, the firm that granted GeneSeek exclusive rights to sell the 70k GGP HD SNP BeadChip, also sells a 60k SNP BeadChip directly to consumers. However, Illumina cannot provide genotypes for the GeneSeek’s proprietary 22,000 SNPs, which represent a substantial portion of the established dataset. Use of Illumina’s services would require scientists at NWRC to isolate the DNA from each sample as well as run the testing assay. To perform the services in house is not possible. The cost per sample just to purchase the Illumina’s 60k beadchip, not including DNA preparation or staff time, would be more costly. The startup costs add to the substantial “do it yourself” pricing as Illumina’s HiScanSQ instrument, needed to run generate genotypes with the BeadChip technology would also have to be purchased. Thus, GeneSeek provides more data at a lower price than other options we have identified in the marketplace. As the dataset continues to grow, there is increasing need to continue working with GeneSeek for this genotyping service so as to reap the scientific benefits of building upon this long-term dataset.

7. A DETERMINATION THAT THE ANTICIPATED COST TO THE GOVERNMENT WILL BE

FAIR AND REASONABLE, AND THE BASIS FORTHAT DETERMINATION:

Proposed pricing will be compared to similar technology, analyzing cost factors and realism through use of appropriate mathematical methods and market comparisons.

8. A DESCRIPTION OF THE MARKET RESEARCH CONDUCTED (FAR

PART 10) AND THE RESULTS, OR AN EXPLANATION OF THE REASON

MARKET RESEARCH WAS NOT PERFORMED:

Market research was conducted, evaluating the marketplace for the services required. GeneSeek offers high density SNP genotyping using a proprietary SNP array at a lower price than alternative service providers.

Continuation of research conducted in Fiscal Years 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019 using GeneSeek’s proprietary BeadChip necessitates continued contracting with GeneSeek for genotyping services. Further, we have begun collaborating with USDA Agricultural Research Services to compare genetic patterns among feral swine to those found among domestic pig breeds – this analysis will allow us to identify the breed composition and origins of feral swine populations. USDA ARS is also contracting with GeneSeek for genotyping services. Thus, to continue contributing to established datasets generated within USDA, it is necessary to continue contracting with GeneSeek.

9. ANY OTHER FACTS SUPPORTING THE USE OF OTHER THAN FULL

AND OPEN COMPETITION - FAR 6.303-2(a)(9):

Our market research has indicated that the tremendous volume of samples processed by GeneSeek has allowed them to reduce prices well below similar services that are offered by their competitors (Illumina).

Further, we have explored other options for custom SNP genotyping and deemed the initial investment required for startup to be cost prohibitive. GeneSeek, A Neogen company is an established company with the ability to perform this service and proven performance.

10. A LISTING OF SOURCES, IF ANY, THAT EXPRESSED, IN WRITING, AN

INTEREST IN THE ACQUISITON:

No other companies are able to provide complementary genotypes to the >12,400 swine already genotyped in the database.

If any potential sources have an interest in this solicitation they should contact the Contracting Officer by the closing date listed in the announcement.

11. A STATEMENT OF THE ACTIONS, IF ANY. THE AGENCY MAY TAKE

TO REMOVE OR OVERCOME ANY BARRIERS TO COMPETITION

BEFORE ANY SUBSEQUENT ACQUISITION FOR THE SUPPLIES,

EQUIPMENT, OR SERVICES REQUIRED:

The agency will continue to monitor the market place and perform market research for solutions and other companies that may meet agency requirements.

I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THIS JOFOC IS ACCURATE AND

COMPLETETOTHE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE AND BELIEF.

Date Date Corinne Nygren Dr. Timothy Smyser Contracting Officer Program Manager Minneapolis Acquisition Branch Wildlife Services