Sources_Sought_Notice_RRBS_36C241-26-AP-4037.docx

SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE

This is a Sources Sought Notice only. This is NOT a solicitation for proposals, quotes, or bids, and no contract will result directly from this notice. The Government will not pay for any information submitted in response to this notice. Responses will not be returned.

Title: Reduced Representation Bisulfite Sequencing (RRBS) Services for DNA Methylation Profiling of Human Choroid Plexus Tissue NAICS Code: 541714 – Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology) Small Business Size Standard: 1,000 employees Product/Service Code: Q301 – Reference Laboratory Testing Responses Due: 8/12/26 Response Method: Email to Chelsea.Cortright@Va.gov

Purpose This Source Sought notice constitutes market research under FAR Part 10 and VAAR Part 810. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), on behalf of the VA Bedford Healthcare System, is assessing the availability of certified SDVOSBs and VOSBs capable of fulfilling the requirements detailed below. In accordance with VAAR Part 819 and the Veterans First Contracting Program (38 U.S.C. 8127–8128), the VA will utilize responses to this notice to determine if a set-aside is required under the VA "Rule of Two." This is not a request for proposals.

Background The VAMC Bedford, Massachusetts requires Reduced Representation Bisulfite Sequencing (RRBS) services to support DNA methylation profiling of post-mortem human choroid plexus tissue samples as part of a neurodegenerative disease research program (studying Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, Alzheimer's Disease, and TDP-43 proteinopathy). Data will be integrated with separately acquired RNA sequencing and proteomic data from the same sample set.

Summary of Requirement The Contractor shall provide:

· Sample handling and quality control (QC) assessment of submitted genomic DNA samples (approximately 269 de-identified human post-mortem choroid plexus DNA samples)

· Bisulfite conversion, library preparation, and QC assessment

· Illumina paired-end sequencing at approximately 30 million read pairs per sample

· Raw data alignment (e.g., via Bismark or equivalent validated pipeline), single-base resolution methylation calling, and genome browser track generation Key technical/performance requirements:

· Bisulfite conversion efficiency ≥99.0–99.5%

· Sequencing data quality: ≥85% of bases at Phred quality score ≥Q30

· Submitted DNA sample acceptance criteria: ≥500 ng genomic DNA, A260/A280 ratio 1.8–2.0, DNA Integrity Number (DIN) ≥7.0 preferred

· Deliverable formats: FASTQ (raw data), BAM (Bismark-aligned), BedGraph/Bismark coverage files (methylation calls), genome browser tracks

· Estimated turnaround: 6–8 weeks from sample receipt to final deliverable

· Samples shipped on dry ice via overnight courier; chain-of-custody confirmation required within 24 hours of receipt

· Contractor must be a domestic (U.S.-based) facility

· No VA network or system access required

· Data classified as de-identified research specimens; no PHI/PII Anticipated Period of Performance Start: Upon receipt of extracted DNA (anticipated late 2026) End: All samples processed and data delivered within 8 weeks of receipt; re-runs/failed-QC samples may extend timeline (not to exceed approximately 6 months from start) Anticipated Contract Type Firm-Fixed-Price, Non-Personal Services Contract, single base period (no option periods).

Instructions for Responding Interested firms are requested to submit a capability statement addressing the following, not to exceed 5 pages:

1. Business size/status: Confirm whether your firm is a certified SDVOSB or VOSB (per SBA VetCert), and provide your SAM.gov Unique Entity ID (UEI).

2. Technical capability: Describe your firm's experience performing RRBS (or equivalent bisulfite-sequencing-based methylation profiling) at the scale of ~269 samples, including:

· Bisulfite conversion methodology and typical conversion efficiency achieved

· Library preparation protocol (e.g., MspI restriction enzyme enrichment)

· Sequencing platform and typical read depth capability

· Bioinformatics pipeline for alignment and methylation calling (e.g., Bismark or equivalent)

· Experience with post-mortem human brain/CNS tissue-derived DNA specifically

3. Facility location: Confirm whether all processing is performed at a U.S.-based facility.

4. Capacity/turnaround: Confirm ability to meet a 6–8 week turnaround for a batch of 269 samples.

5. Relevant past performance: List up to three similar projects (client, sample volume, timeframe), if available.

6. Subcontracting: Disclose whether any portion of the work would be subcontracted, and to whom.

Submission Details Interested parties shall submit responses via email to Chelsea Cortright at Chelsea.Cortright@va.gov no later than 11:00 AM EST on August 12, 2026. Please reference ID# 36C241-26-AP-4037 in the subject line of your response. Questions regarding this notice may be directed to Chelsea.Cortright@va.gov Note: This notice is for information and planning purposes only. It does not constitute a solicitation. The Government reserves the right to cancel this requirement or to award a contract to any source(s) determined to be in the best interest of the Government, based on the results of this and other market research.