Sol_1232SA26Q1181.pdf

SEE ADDENDUMIS CHECKED

CODE 18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY

CODE

FACILITYCODE

17b. CHECK IF REMITTANCE IS DIFFERENT AND PUT SUCH ADDRESS IN OFFER

OFFEROR

ARS-1232SA

BELTSVILLE MD 20705

RM 3-2102

5601 SUNNYSIDE AVENUE

USDA ARS ACQUISITION AND PROPERTY D

ARS-122328 CODE 16. ADMINISTERED BYCODE

X

X

X

541714

SIZE STANDARD:

100.00 % FOR:SET ASIDE:UNRESTRICTED ORARS-1232SA

REQUEST FOR

PROPOSAL

(RFP)

INVITATION

FOR BID (IFB)

10. THIS ACQUISITION ISCODE

REQUEST FOR

QUOTE (RFQ)

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

13b. RATING

NORTH AMERICAN INDUSTRY

CLASSIFICATION STANDARD

(NAICS):

SMALL BUSINESS

08/28/2026 1700 CD

08/04/2026

KERRIE HODGES

(No collect calls)

INFORMATION CALL:

FOR SOLICITATION 8. OFFER DUE DATE/LOCAL TIMEb. TELEPHONE NUMBER a. NAME

4. ORDER NUMBER3. AWARD/ 6. SOLICITATION

1232SA26Q1181

5. SOLICITATION NUMBER

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS 1. REQUISITION NUMBER PAGE OF

1 22 1165599OFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24, & 30

TELEPHONE NO.

17a. CONTRACTOR/

ITHACA NY 14853

538 TOWER ROAD

NEA ROBERT W. HOLLEY CTR FOR AGRICU

15. DELIVER TO

BELTSVILLE MD 20705

RM 3-2102

5601 SUNNYSIDE AVENUE

9. ISSUED BY

7.

2. CONTRACT NO.

EFFECTIVE DATE

1,000

18b. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN BLOCK 18a UNLESS BLOCK BELOW

ISSUE DATE

DELIVERY FOR FREE ON BOARD

(FOB) DESTINATION UNLESS

BLOCK IS MARKED

11.

SEE SCHEDULEX

12. DISCOUNT TERMS THIS CONTRACT IS A RATED

ORDER UNDER THE DEFENSE

PRIORITIES AND ALLOCATIONS

SYSTEM - DPAS (15 CFR 700)

13a.

SERVICE-DISABLED

VETERAN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS

(SDVOSB)

HUBZONE SMALL

BUSINESS

8(A)

USDA ARS ACQUISITION AND PROPERTY D

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL

BUSINESS (WOSB)

ECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGED

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL

BUSINESS (EDWOSB)

24.

AMOUNT

23.

UNIT PRICE

22.

UNIT

21.

QUANTITY

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

19.

ITEM NO.

Contracting Officer: Amber Sampson, amber.sampson@usda.gov Contract Specialist: Kerrie Hodges, kerrie.hodges@usda.gov Period of Performance: 09/15/2026 to 09/14/2031

0001 Yeast Two-Hybrid (Y2H) Screening Service 1 YR

Period of Performance: 09/15/2026 to 09/14/2027

Continued ...

(Use Reverse and/or Attach Additional Sheets as Necessary)

HEREIN, IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

X

DATED

AMBER M. SAMPSON

. YOUR OFFER ON SOLICITATION (BLOCK 5),

INCLUDING ANY ADDITIONS OR CHANGES WHICH ARE SET FORTH

COPIES TO ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH AND DELIVER

ARE

ARE

31c. DATE SIGNED

27b. CONTRACT/PURCHASE ORDER INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-5 IS ATTACHED. ADDENDA

31a. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (SIGNATURE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER)

30c. DATE SIGNED 31b. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

ALL ITEMS SET FORTH OR OTHERWISE IDENTIFIED ABOVE AND ON ANY ADDITIONAL

SHEETS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SPECIFIED.

27a. SOLICITATION INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE (FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION) FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-3

AND 52.212-5 ARE ATTACHED. ADDENDA

26. TOTAL AWARD AMOUNT (For Government Use Only)

OFFER

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 11/2021)

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

ARE NOT ATTACHED.

ARE NOT ATTACHED.

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE

30b. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)

30a. SIGNATURE OF OFFEROR/CONTRACTOR

28. CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO SIGN THIS DOCUMENT AND RETURN

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

29. AWARD OF CONTRACT: REFERENCE

32e. MAILING ADDRESS OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

32c. DATE 32b. SIGNATURE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

ACCEPTED, AND CONFORMS TO THE CONTRACT, EXCEPT AS NOTED:

32a. QUANTITY IN COLUMN 21 HAS BEEN

RECEIVED INSPECTED

40. PAID BY39. S/R VOUCHER NUMBER38. S/R ACCOUNT NUMBER

37. CHECK NUMBER

FINALPARTIAL

36. PAYMENT

FINALPARTIAL

35. AMOUNT VERIFIED

CORRECT FOR

34. VOUCHER NUMBER33. SHIP NUMBER

COMPLETE

32g. E-MAIL OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

42d. TOTAL CONTAINERS42c. DATE REC'D (YY/MM/DD)

42b. RECEIVED AT (Location)

42a. RECEIVED BY (Print)

41c. DATE41b. SIGNATURE AND TITLE OF CERTIFYING OFFICER

41a. I CERTIFY THIS ACCOUNT IS CORRECT AND PROPER FOR PAYMENT

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 11/2021) BACK

24.

AMOUNT

23.

UNIT PRICE

22.

UNIT

21.

QUANTITY

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

19.

ITEM NO.

1001 Option Year 1 - Yeast Two-Hybrid (Y2H) Screening 1 YR

Service

(Option Line Item)

08/15/2027

Period of Performance: 09/15/2027 to 09/14/2028

2001 Option Year 2 - Yeast Two-Hybrid (Y2H) Screening 1 YR

Service

(Option Line Item)

08/15/2028

Period of Performance: 09/15/2028 to 09/14/2029

3001 Option Year 3 - Yeast Two-Hybrid (Y2H) Screening 1 YR

Service

(Option Line Item)

08/15/2029

Period of Performance: 09/15/2029 to 09/14/2030

4001 Option Year 4 - Yeast Two-Hybrid (Y2H) Screening 1 YR

Service

(Option Line Item)

08/15/2030

Period of Performance: 09/15/2030 to 09/14/2031

32f. TELEPHONE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

32d. PRINTED NAME AND TITLE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

22 2 of

Yeast Two-Hybrid (Y2H) Screening Service

1232SA26Q1181

Statement of Requirement The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Robert W. Holley Center for Agriculture and Health requires a Yeast Two-Hybrid (Y2H) Screening Service.

Schedule of Items

CLIN Description Estimated Quantity

Unit of Issue

Unit Cost Total

0001 Yeast Two-Hybrid (Y2H) Screening Service

1 Year

1001 Option Year 1 - Yeast Two- Hybrid (Y2H) Screening Service

1 Year

2001 Option Year 2 - Yeast Two- Hybrid (Y2H) Screening Service

1 Year

3001 Option Year 3 - Yeast Two- Hybrid (Y2H) Screening Service

1 Year

4001 Option Year 4 - Yeast Two- Hybrid (Y2H) Screening Service

1 Year

TOTAL

Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and United States Department of Agriculture Acquisition Regulation (AGAR) Clauses and Provisions The clauses and provisions contained herein are applicable to any order awarded as a result of this solicitation. The terms and conditions set forth herein supersede all other terms and conditions.

Acceptance of the order in accordance with (IAW) FAR 12.201-1(b)(2) constitutes acceptance of all terms and conditions contained herein.

As part of the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO), system updates may lag policy updates. The System for Award Management (SAM) may continue to require entities to complete representations based on provisions that are not included in this solicitation. Contracting officers will rely on representations from offers based on provisions in the solicitation. Entities are not required to, nor are they able to, update their entity registration to remove these representations in SAM.

52.252-2 Clauses Incorporated by Reference Feb 1998 This solicitation incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also the full text of the clause may be accessed electronically at Internet address https://www.acquisition.gov/far-overhaul/far-part-deviation-guide/far-overhaul-part-52

52.212-4 Terms and Conditions—Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2025) 52.203-17 Contractor Employee Whistleblower Rights (Nov 2023) 52.203-19 Prohibition on Requiring Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements (Jan 2017) 52.222-50 Combating Trafficking in Persons (Nov 2025) 52.226-8 Encouraging Contractor Policies to Ban Text Messaging While Driving (May 2024) 52.232-39 Unenforceability of Unauthorized Obligations (Jun 2013)

52.232-40 Providing Accelerated Payments to Small Business Subcontractors (Mar 2023) 52.233-3 Protest After Award (Sep 2025) 52.233-4 Applicable Law for Breach of Contract Claim (Sep 2025) 52.240-91 Security Prohibitions and Exclusions (Nov 2025) 52.244-6 Subcontracts for Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2025)

The following clauses are applicable if checked:

☒ 52.204-13 System for Award Management—Maintenance (Nov 2025) ☒ 52.209-6 Protecting the Government’s Interest When Subcontracting with Contractors Debarred, Suspended, or Proposed for Debarment (Sep 2025) ☒ 52.209-10 Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations (Sep 2025) ☒ 52.219-6 Notice of Total Small Business Aside (Nov 2025) ☒ 52.222-3 Convict Labor (June 2003) ☒ 52.222-19 Child Labor—Cooperation with Authorities and Remedies (Nov 2025) ☒ 52.222-35 Equal Opportunity for Veterans (Nov 2025) ☒ 52.222-36 Equal Opportunity for Workers with Disabilities (Nov 2025) ☒ 52.222-37 Employment Reports on Veterans (Nov 2025) ☒ 52.222-53 Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Certain Services-Requirements (Nov 2025) ☒ 52.222-54 Employment Eligibility Verification (Nov 2025) ☒ 52.222-90 Addressing DEI Discrimination by Federal Contractors (Apr 2026) ☒ 52.232-33 Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer— System for Award Management (Oct 2018)

Other Applicable Clauses

52.217-9 Option to Extend the Term of the Contract (Mar 2000)

(a) 30 Calendar days prior to contract expiration and 60 days

(c) five years.

AGAR Clauses

AGAR 452.203-71 Anti-Discrimination and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Compliance (May 2026)

(a) By entering into this contract, the contractor certifies that:

(1) It is compliant with all applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws and the Equal Protection principles of the U.S. Constitution, and it will remain compliant for the duration of the contract.

(2) Neither it nor any subcontractor or teaming partner operates or funds any program, policy, or initiative that promotes DEI in a manner that violates any applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws, including but not limited to Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, or the Equal Protection principles of the U.S. Constitution, and the contractor and any subcontractor or teaming partner will not do so for the duration of the contract.

(b) If the contractor participates in, facilitates, or funds programs that implicate Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 or Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, as amended, including but not limited to grants to or for schools, colleges, universities, 4-H programs, non-governmental organization (NGO) programs, sports programs, and education-related grants to prisons or other detention facilities, the contractor certifies that it will remain compliant with those laws, including the requirements set forth in Executive Order 14168, Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government, and Executive Order 14173, Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity.

(c) The contractor affirms that the above requirements are conditions of payment that go to the essence of the contract and are therefore material terms of the contract. Payments under the contract are predicated on compliance with the above requirements, and therefore the contractor is not eligible for funding under the contract or to retain any funding under the contract absent compliance with the above requirements.

(d) This certification reflects a change in the Government’s position regarding the materiality of the foregoing requirements and therefore any prior payment of similar claims does not reflect the materiality of the foregoing requirements to this contract.

(e) Submission of a knowing false statement relating to contractor’s compliance with the above requirements and/or eligibility for the contract may subject the contractor to liability under the False Claims Act, 31 U.S.C. § 3729, and/or criminal liability, including under 18 U.S.C. §§ 287 and 1001.

(f) The contractor must include the provisions of this clause in all subcontract solicitations.

(g) Failure on the part of the contractor or its subcontractors to comply with the terms of this clause may be grounds for the Contracting Officer to terminate this contract for default.

(End of Clause)

AGAR 452.203-72 Unenforceable Supplier Terms (MAY 2026)

(a) Definitions.

Supplier terms mean provisions customarily drafted by vendors of supplies or services and intended to create a binding legal obligation on the end user. The term applies:

1. Regardless of the format or style of the document. For example, supplier terms may appear in standard terms of sale or lease, Terms of Service (TOS), End User License Agreement (EULA), or another similar legal instrument or agreement, and may be presented as part of a proposal or quotation responding to a solicitation for a contract or order or otherwise become effective after the contract date.

2. Regardless of the media or delivery mechanism used. For example, supplier terms may be presented as one or more paper documents or may appear on a computer or other electronic device screen during a purchase, software installation, other product delivery, registration for a service, or another transaction.

(b) Applicability. When any supply or service acquired under this contract is subject to supplier terms, the supplier terms are deemed part of the contract only to the extent they are consistent with this clause. Supplier terms that conflict with any part of this clause, the contract, or Federal law are void and will not be considered incorporated into a contract, even if they are physically present in a contract documentation or systems. In the event of any inconsistency between supplier terms and this contract, this clause and the terms of the Government contract must govern and supersede any supplier terms in all cases.

(c) Authorization Required. Notwithstanding any other provision, no supplier terms must be binding on the Government unless the term is expressly authorized on the USDA Supplier Terms Authorization Form signed by the Contracting Officer, and the completed Authorization Form has been incorporated into the contract.

(d) Unenforceable Terms. Any supplier terms that impose obligations or restrictions inconsistent with applicable Federal law are unenforceable against the Government and deemed stricken from the agreement. This includes, but is not limited to, any clause that:

(1) Requires the Government to pay future fees, penalties, interest, legal costs, early‑termination fees, cancellation fees, minimum purchase commitments, true‑up payments, seat‑count minimums, usage minimums, continued‑use charges, or any other financial obligation not expressly authorized by the contract.

(2) Requires the Government to indemnify the contractor or any other entity.

(3) Restricts the Government’s ability to obtain similar supplies or services from another source.

(4) Imposes any penalty, financial or otherwise, based on the Government’s decision not to exercise an option.

(5) Subjects the United States Government to the laws of any U.S. state, territory, district, municipality, or foreign nation, except where Federal law expressly permits such application.

(6) Requires dispute resolution in a forum or venue other than one prescribed by applicable Federal law.

(7) Establishes a period of limitations for bringing an action that differs from that provided by applicable Federal law.

(8) Grants the contractor rights to use, mine, access, aggregate, analyze, or otherwise exploit Government data, usage data, or metadata.

(9) Deems the Government to have accepted initial or revised terms based on silence, continued performance, or failure to object.

(10) Grants the supplier the right to audit Government facilities, systems, records, or use of the product or service, except as expressly authorized by the contract and applicable Federal law.

(11) Requires the Government to accept supplier security requirements, network access requirements, monitoring, penetration testing, or other technical or security measures.

(12) Permits the supplier to suspend, degrade, or terminate access to products or services based on alleged non‑payment, alleged breach, automated security triggers.

(13) Limits the Government’s right to use, install, access, test, evaluate, or transfer the licensed product or service in any manner consistent with the contract and Federal law.

(14) Requires the Government to store, process, maintain, or transmit data in a particular geographic location, or permits the supplier to transfer Government data outside the United States, except as expressly authorized by applicable Federal law.

(15) Authorizes the supplier to use the Government’s name, seal, trademark, logo, or any reference to the Government as an end user or customer for marketing, publicity, promotional activities, press releases, or similar purposes.

(16) Incorporates by reference, or requires the Government to accept, terms or conditions imposed by any third party, subcontractor, or upstream service provider, unless such terms are expressly incorporated into the contract by bilateral modification.

(17) Limits, conditions, or negates the contractor’s performance obligations, service levels, or remedies through a supplier‑provided service level agreement (SLA).

(18) Uses Government data, usage data, metadata, prompts, content, or interactions to train, fine‑tune, improve, or derive any artificial intelligence, machine learning, or automated decision‑making model.

(19) Subjects the Government to automated decision‑making, automated risk scoring, automated content moderation, or any algorithmic process that may affect access, performance, or rights under the contract.

(20) Utilizes artificial intelligence or algorithmic tools that produce decisions, recommendations, or outputs affecting contract performance without providing transparency, explainability, auditability, and bias‑mitigation consistent with applicable Federal law and policy.

(21) Profiles, tracks, or analyzes Government user behavior, preferences, communications, or interactions for personalization, marketing, or algorithmic optimization purposes.

(e) Non-binding Actions. Neither the Government nor any Government authorized end user is deemed to have consented to any term, condition, or clause by virtue of its inclusion in the supplier agreement or through the use of clickwrap, browsewrap, “I agree” mechanisms, or similar means.

Execution of such mechanisms does not bind the Government or its authorized end users to any unenforceable terms.

(f) End user. The supplier agreement must bind the ordering activity as the end user to the extent it does not conflict with the terms of this clause, but it must not bind or impose personal liability on any Government employee or any person acting on behalf of the Government in their personal capacity.

(g) Law and disputes. The supplier agreement is governed by Federal law.

(h) Statutory exception. This clause does not apply to indemnification or any other payment by the Government that is expressly authorized by statute and specifically authorized under applicable agency regulations and procedures.

(i) Continued performance. The supplier or licensor must not unilaterally revoke, terminate, or suspend any rights granted to the Government except as allowed by the contract. If the supplier or licensor believes the ordering activity to be in breach of the supplier agreement, it must pursue its rights under the Contract Disputes Act or other applicable Federal statute while proceeding diligently with performance, pending final resolution of any dispute in accordance with the Disputes Clause at FAR 52.212‑4(d) or FAR 52.233‑1, as applicable.

(j) Arbitration. Binding arbitration must not be used unless specifically authorized by agency guidance.

(k) Equitable or injunctive relief. Equitable or injunctive relief, including the award of attorney fees, costs, or interest, may be awarded against the United States Government only when explicitly provided by statute (e.g., the Prompt Payment Act or the Equal Access to Justice Act).

(l) Revisions to supplier agreements. Any revisions to the supplier agreement must be incorporated into the contract using a bilateral modification. Unilateral revisions are not binding on the Government.

(m) No automatic renewals. If any license or service tied to periodic payment is provided under the supplier agreement (e.g., annual software maintenance or annual lease term), such license or service must not renew automatically upon expiration of its current term without prior express written consent from an authorized Government representative.

(n) Indemnification. Any clause of the supplier agreement requiring the supplier or licensor to defend or indemnify the end user is amended to provide that the U.S. Department of Justice has the sole right to represent the United States in any such action, in accordance with 28 U.S.C. 516.

(o) Taxes or surcharges. Any taxes or surcharges which the supplier or licensor seeks to pass along to the Government as end user will be governed by the terms of the associated Government contract or order and must be submitted to the Contracting Officer for a determination of applicability prior to invoicing unless specifically agreed otherwise.

(p) Non‑assignment. The supplier agreement may not be assigned, nor may any rights or obligations thereunder be delegated, without the Government’s prior approval, except as expressly permitted by FAR 52.212-4(b) or FAR 52.232-23, as applicable.

(q) Confidential information. If the supplier agreement includes a confidentiality clause, such clause is amended to state that neither the agreement nor the contract price list, as applicable, must be deemed “confidential information.” Issues regarding release of “unit pricing” will be resolved consistent with the Freedom of Information Act. Notwithstanding anything in the supplier agreement to the contrary, the Government may retain any confidential information as required by law, regulation, or its internal document retention procedures for legal, regulatory, or compliance purposes; provided, however, that all such retained confidential information will continue to be subject to the confidentiality obligations of the supplier agreement.

(r) Conflict with Federal law. If any other language, provision, or clause of the supplier agreement conflicts or is inconsistent with Federal law or the terms and conditions of this contract, such language, provisions, or clauses will be considered null and void and will not be binding on the United States Government.

(End of Clause)

452.204–70 Modification for Contract Closeout (Apr 2026)

(a) If unliquidated funds in the amount of $1000 or less remain on the contract, the Contracting Officer (Contracting Officer) may issue a unilateral modification for deobligation. The contractor will receive a copy of the modification but is not required to provide a signature. The Contracting Officer will immediately proceed with contract closeout upon completion of the period of performance, receipt and acceptance of supplies or services, and final payment.

(b) For commercial contracts not exceeding the simplified acquisition procedure threshold under FAR 12.001(c), if more than $1,000 in unliquidated funds remain at closeout, the Contracting Officer will issue a bilateral deobligation modification. Only the modification requires the contractor’s signature, though a Release of Claims may be requested. If the required documents are not returned within 60 days, the Contracting Officer will issue a unilateral modification and proceed with closeout once performance is complete, acceptance is confirmed, and final payment is made.

(c) For all other non-commercial or non–cost‑reimbursement contracts, if more than $1,000 in unliquidated funds remain at closeout, the Contracting Officer will issue a bilateral deobligation modification and a Release of Claims, both requiring contractor signature. If these documents are not returned within 120 days, the Contracting Officer will issue a unilateral modification u and proceed with closeout upon completion of performance, acceptance, and final payment.

(End of Clause)

Solicitation Information

Award Type

It is anticipated that a firm-fixed price purchase order consisting of one (1) one-year base period and four (4) one-year option periods shall be awarded as a result of this synopsis/solicitation. The total duration of this contract shall not exceed five (5) years.

The Government intends to make one award from this solicitation. Therefore, to be considered responsive, contractors must submit pricing for all items.

Evaluation and Basis for Award

The provision at Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 52.212-2 Evaluation of Commercial Items is not applicable to this solicitation. In lieu of this provision, quotes will be evaluated in accordance with FAR 12.203 based on the criteria listed below. Award will be made to the offeror representing the best value to the Government.

Price:

The offeror shall provide pricing as requested on page 3 of this solicitation. Any quantity price discounts and discounts for prompt payment should be included in this section. Total price evaluation will be for the base period and all option periods. Failure to propose pricing for the base period and all option periods on individual line items may result in a quotation being excluded from further consideration. The offeror’s quotation will be evaluated in accordance with FAR 12.204, to determine if it is fair and reasonable.

Technical Acceptability:

Technical Acceptability will be evaluated to receive an overall rating of "acceptable" or "unacceptable." This will be based on the offeror's ability to provide a sound and compliant approach that meets all requirements and shows a thorough understanding of them. It is the contractor's responsibility to ensure their quotation clearly demonstrates their capability to meet these requirements. All offerors must provide the following minimum information and documentation with their quotations to be considered responsive and have their offers evaluated:

Detailed explanation of the offeror’s ability to perform the required services. A simple statement of capabilities will not suffice. The offeror must address how they will accomplish the requirements detailed in the attached Statement of Work (SOW.)

Detailed explanation of any requirement listed in the SOW that cannot be successfully accomplished by the offeror. Offerors are advised that the USDA intends to award without discussions so any exceptions may cause the quotation to be found technically unacceptable.

Past Performance:

The Government may utilize any references provided by the Contractor, along with information available from past contracts/orders with the USDA and any information found using sources such as Federal Government sources or the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) to determine if the Contractor has acceptable or neutral Past Performance. Past Performance will be evaluated using the following rating system:

Acceptable: The contractor shows a demonstrated ability to meet contract requirements in prior or current contracts, including quality of work, timeliness, cost control, business relations, and adherence to contract terms.

Neutral: Offeror does not have a past performance record.

Unacceptable: The contractor has a documented history of failing to meet contract requirements, including poor quality, missed deadlines, cost overruns, lack of responsiveness, or unethical behavior.

Evaluation Method The Government will evaluate quotations based on the lowest price technically acceptable criteria. Only the lowest priced offer will be evaluated for Technical Acceptability. Should the lowest priced offer not receive an acceptable technical or past performance rating, the process will continue in order of lowest priced offer until the lowest price, technically acceptable offer with acceptable or neutral past performance is identified.

52.252-1 Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference Feb 1998 This solicitation incorporates one or more solicitation provisions by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. The offeror is cautioned that the listed provisions may include blocks that must be completed by the offeror and submitted with its quotation or offer. In lieu of submitting the full text of those provisions, the offeror may identify the provision by paragraph identifier and provide the appropriate information with its quotation or offer. Also, the full text of a solicitation provision may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es): https://www.acquisition.gov/far-overhaul/far-part-deviation-guide/far-overhaul-part-52

52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors - Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2025) FAR 52.212-1 is amended as follows:

Period for acceptance of offers.

The Offeror agrees to hold the prices in its offer firm for 90 calendar days from the date specified for receipt of offers.

Questions Questions shall be submitted via email to kerrie.hodges@usda.gov and are due no later than August 21, 2025, at 5:00 PM Central Daylight Time. This will ensure enough time to respond before the solicitation period ends. Please include the solicitation name and number as the subject line of the email.

52.203-18 Prohibition on Contracting with Entities that Require Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements-Representation (Jan 2017) 52.209-2 Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations - Representation (Sep 2025) 52.209-11 Representation by Corporations Regarding Delinquent Tax Liability or a Felony Conviction under any Federal Law (Sep 2025) 52.240-90 Security Prohibitions and Exclusions Representations and Certifications (Nov 2025)

The following provisions are applicable if checked:

☒ 52.203-11 Certification and Disclosure Regarding Payments to Influence Certain Federal Transactions (Sep 2024) ☒ 52.204-7 System for Award Management—Registration (Nov 2025) ☒ 52.222-52 Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards for Certain Services-Certification (Nov 2025)

Other Applicable FAR Provisions

52.217-5 Evaluation of Options (Nov 2025)

AGAR Provisions

AGAR 452.203-70 Anti-Discrimination and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Certification (Dec 2025)

(a) By submission of its offer, the offeror certifies that:

(1) It is compliant with all applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws and the Equal Protection principles of the U.S. Constitution.

(2) Neither it nor any proposed subcontractor or teaming partner operates or funds any program, policy, or initiative that promotes DEI in a manner that violates any applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws, including but not limited to Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, or the Equal Protection principles of the U.S. Constitution.

(b) If the offeror participates in, facilitates, or funds programs that implicate Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 or Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, as amended, including but not limited to grants to or for schools, colleges, universities, 4-H programs, non-governmental organization (NGO) programs, sports programs, and education-related grants to prisons or other detention facilities, by submission of its offer, the offeror certifies that it is compliant with those laws, including the requirements set forth in Executive Order 14168, Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government, and Executive Order 14173, Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity.

(c) The offeror affirms that the above requirements are conditions of payment that go to the essence of the contract and are therefore material terms of the contract. Payments under the contract are predicated on compliance with the above requirements, and therefore the offeror will not be eligible for funding under the contract or to retain any funding under the contract absent compliance with the above requirements.

(d) This certification reflects a change in the Government’s position regarding the materiality of the foregoing requirements and therefore any prior payment of similar claims does not reflect the materiality of the foregoing requirements to this contract.

(e) Submission of a knowing false statement relating to offeror’s compliance with the above requirements and/or eligibility for the contract may subject the offeror to liability under the False Claims Act, 31 U.S.C. § 3729, and/or criminal liability, including under 18 U.S.C. §§ 287 and 1001.

(f) Failure on the part of the offeror or its subcontractors to comply with the terms of this clause may be grounds for the Contracting Officer to terminate the contract for default.

(End of Provision)

NOTICE FOR FILING AGENCY PROTESTS

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Protest Procedures

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is committed to fair, transparent, and efficient acquisitions. Interested parties with concerns about this solicitation are encouraged to seek resolution through the following USDA procedures.

Tier 1: Contracting Officer Concern Resolution

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The protest must state whether the protester elects review by the Contracting Officer, by the UDSA Independent Review Authority. If no election is stated, the Contracting Officer will decide the protest.

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STATEMENT OF WORK

Background

USDA ARS is conducting research on new strategies to protect crop plants against aphid-transmitted viruses. These viruses cause billions of dollars per year in economic losses in the US and around the world, including in potato and cotton production systems.

The purpose of this project to conduct research on the feasibility of new virus transmission management approaches.

Proteins within aphid tissues interact with plant viruses. These interactions regulate the spread of aphid viruses within a crop. The contract will allow USDA ARS to identify aphid proteins that interact with plant viruses. This information will be used to develop specific inhibitory strategies that block protein interactions between aphid proteins and plant viral proteins, reducing the spread of aphid viruses.

Objectives

The overall goal is to design, construct, and execute a yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) screening pipeline for systematic identification and validation of virus–aphid protein–protein interactions using three viral bait constructs and aphid cDNA prey libraries.

1. Design and construct three viral bait clones suitable for yeast two-hybrid screening, in coordination with government scientists.

2. Generate high-quality aphid cDNA prey libraries optimized for detection of virus–vector protein–protein interactions from RNA samples provided by the Government.

3. Conduct large-scale Y2H screening to identify aphid proteins interacting with viral bait proteins.

Scope

The Contractor shall provide specialized scientific and technical services to perform yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) screening and associated molecular and bioinformatic analyses to identify aphid-derived proteins that physically interact with the polerovirus N-terminal readthrough domain (NRTD). The purpose of this work is to discover and characterize candidate aphid protein interactors that may play functional roles in virus transmission, vector competence, and host– virus interactions.

The Government will provide polerovirus NRTD sequence information and aphid-derived total RNA extracted from insect tissues for use in bait construct development and prey library construction, respectively. The Contractor shall utilize this Government Furnished Information to construct aphid cDNA libraries suitable for yeast two-hybrid screening and to generate validated NRTD bait constructs.

The Contractor shall design, construct, and validate yeast two-hybrid bait vectors encoding the polerovirus NRTD, variants and control proteins, and shall generate, characterize, and screen aphid-derived cDNA prey libraries using established yeast two-hybrid methodologies. The

Contractor shall perform all required molecular cloning, transformation, screening, selection, and sequencing procedures necessary to generate high-confidence interaction datasets.

The scope of work shall include, but is not limited to:

Design and construction of yeast two-hybrid bait constructs encoding the polerovirus NRTD, an NRTD mutant and a control protein;

Quality control testing and functional validation of bait expression and autoactivation properties;

Construction, amplification, quality assessment, and archiving of aphid-derived cDNA prey libraries;

High-throughput yeast two-hybrid screening of aphid libraries to identify candidate interacting proteins;

Sequencing, annotation, and bioinformatic analysis of all identified aphid prey clones;

Documentation of experimental protocols, quality control procedures, and analytical workflows; and Preparation of technical reports and data deliverables as specified in this Statement of

Work.

All work shall be conducted in accordance with accepted scientific standards, applicable biosafety regulations, and best laboratory practices. The Contractor shall ensure that all experimental and analytical procedures are performed with a high degree of technical rigor, reproducibility, and data integrity.

Tasks or Requirements

Objective 1 – Viral bait clone construction

Prioritize viral proteins and/or domains for use as Y2H baits in consultation with government scientists.

Design cloning strategies and generate full-length and domain-specific viral ORF constructs.

Clone viral sequences into Y2H-compatible bait vectors.

Test bait constructs for:

o Expression o Stability o Absence of autoactivation and yeast toxicity

Optimize bait configuration and assay conditions for Y2H screening.

Objective 2 – Aphid cDNA prey library construction

Construct normalized, directional aphid cDNA libraries from aphid RNA (provided by the Government) in Y2H prey vectors.

Assess library quality, including:

o Complexity o Insert size distribution o Representation Optimize library construction parameters to maximize interaction detection sensitivity.

Objective 3 – Large-scale Y2H screening

Perform high-throughput Y2H screens using validated viral bait constructs and aphid prey libraries.

Apply stringent selection conditions to minimize false positives.

Conduct replicate screening to confirm reproducibility.

Recover positive colonies, isolate prey inserts, and perform DNA sequencing.

Annotate prey sequences and compile interaction datasets.

Deliverables or Delivery Schedule

Deliverable 1 – Viral Bait Clone Panel

Description:

A complete, validated panel of three viral bait constructs suitable for yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) screening.

Contents:

Sequence-verified viral bait plasmids.

Electronic sequence files for each construct.

Quality control (QC) documentation demonstrating:

o Proper expression o Stability o Absence of autoactivation and yeast toxicity

Format:

Physical delivery of plasmid DNA or glycerol stocks.

Electronic delivery of sequence files and QC documentation in PDF and Excel formats.

Quantity:

Three (3) completed bait clone panels.

Delivery Schedule:

≤ 45 calendar days from the date of contract award.

Quality Indicators:

≥95% sequence accuracy.

Verified absence of bait autoactivation.

Demonstrated expression in Y2H system.

Deliverable 2 – Aphid cDNA Prey Libraries

Description:

High-complexity, normalized aphid cDNA prey libraries constructed in Y2H-compatible prey vectors.

Contents:

Complete aphid prey library plasmid pools.

Library construction report including:

o RNA quality metrics o Library complexity estimates o Insert size distribution o Representation assessment

Format:

Physical delivery of plasmid pools as glycerol stocks.

Electronic delivery of QC reports in PDF and Excel formats.

Quantity:

One (1) complete aphid prey library.

Delivery Schedule:

≤ 90 calendar days from the date of contract award.

Quality Indicators:

Library complexity ≥10⁶ independent clones.

Mean insert size ≥500 bp.

Demonstrated suitability for Y2H screening.

Deliverable 3 – Y2H Screening Dataset and Technical Report

Description:

Results from high-throughput Y2H screening of viral bait constructs against aphid prey libraries.

Contents:

Annotated virus–aphid protein interaction dataset.

Prey sequence identity tables.

Screening methodology summary.

Data quality assessment report.

Format:

Electronic delivery of datasets and reports in Excel and PDF formats.

Raw sequence files in FASTA format.

Quantity:

One (1) complete screening dataset and report.

Delivery Schedule:

≤ 165 calendar days from the date of contract award.

Quality Indicators:

Reproducible interaction detection across replicate screens.

Documentation of screening depth, coverage, and selection stringency.

Deliverable 4 –Final Technical Report

Description:

Results from the project in a final technical report directed

Contents:

Final technical summary report describing:

o Y2H workflow o Assay performance metrics o Results

Format:

Electronic delivery in Excel and PDF formats.

Quantity:

One final report.

Delivery Schedule:

≤ 190 calendar days from the date of contract award.

Quality Indicators:

≥80% reproducibility across independent retests.

Clear ranking criteria and justification.

Delivery Timeline Table

Phase Days

Viral bait clones ≤ 45

Aphid prey libraries ≤ 90

Phase Days

Y2H screening ≤ 165

Final Report ≤ 190

Government-Furnished Equipment and Government-Furnished Information

The Government will provide the Contractor with polerovirus NRTD nucleotide and/or amino acid sequence information and aphid-derived total RNA extracted from insect tissues for use in bait construct development and aphid cDNA library construction. This information and biological material shall be treated as confidential and shall be used solely for the purpose of performing work under this contract. The Contractor shall not disclose, reproduce, distribute, retain, or use such information or materials for any purpose beyond contract performance without prior written authorization from the Government.

Reporting Requirements

1. Monthly Progress Reports

The Contractor shall submit written monthly progress reports for the duration of the contract.

Reports shall be submitted electronically to the contract’s technical point of contact.

Each monthly report shall include, at a minimum:

Summary of technical work performed during the reporting period Description of experimental procedures completed and assays conducted Progress toward completion of project milestones Preliminary findings and observations Description of any technical challenges encountered and corrective actions taken Planned activities for the subsequent reporting period Updated project timeline, if applicable

Monthly reports shall be submitted no later than ten (10) business days following the end of each reporting month.

2. Technical Data Reporting

The Contractor shall provide all raw and processed datasets generated under this contract on a rolling basis as they become available, including associated metadata, experimental conditions, and data processing workflows. Data shall be delivered in machine-readable electronic formats suitable for downstream computational analysis and long-term archival.

3. Final Technical Report

A comprehensive Final Technical Report shall be submitted upon completion of all contract work. The Final Technical Report shall include:

Overview of project objectives and experimental design Description of all yeast two-hybrid screening assays performed in sufficient technical detail to satisfy peer-review requirements in scientific journals Summary and interpretation of screening results Comprehensive listing and characterization of identified aphid protein interactors Data quality assessments and validation results Discussion of technical limitations, if any Complete documentation of protocols and methodologies

The Final Technical Report shall be submitted no later than thirty (30) calendar days after completion of all contract work.

Travel No travel will be associated with the performance of this contract.

Place of Performance

The work is to be performed at the contractor’s site.

No physical access to a Federally-controlled facility or access to a Federally-controlled information system is required.

Homeland Security Presidential Directive (HSPD)-12 (If applicable) N/A

Other Considerations:

The Contractor shall provide all electronic deliverables, including reports, datasets, and documentation, in formats compliant with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act (29 U.S.C. § 794d) and the implementing standards at 36 CFR Part 1194, ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities.

The Contractor shall treat as confidential all non-public information, data, materials, and results generated under this contract, including but not limited to experimental protocols, biological materials, screening results, datasets, analyses, and reports (“Confidential Information”). The Contractor shall not disclose, publish, release, transmit, or otherwise make available any Confidential Information to any third party without the prior written approval of the Government. This obligation shall survive the expiration or termination of the contract.

The Contractor shall use Confidential Information solely for the purpose of performing work under this contract and for no other purpose.

All data, results, analyses, documentation, and deliverables generated under this contract, including raw data, processed data, protocols, reports, and associated metadata (“Contract Data”), shall be considered Government data. The United States Government shall retain unlimited rights to all Contract Data, as defined under FAR 52.227-14, including the right to use, disclose, reproduce, prepare derivative works, distribute, perform, and display such data, and to authorize others to do so.

The Contractor shall not assert any ownership, copyright, or proprietary rights in the Contract Data.

The Contractor shall not use Contract Data for internal research, commercial purposes, publication, marketing, or future product development without prior written authorization from the Government.