Statement of Work.pdf

Statement of Work (SOW)

Project: Production of Genetically Engineered Pigs

GENERAL INFORMATION

1.0 Scope of Work: The overall goal is to produce genetically engineered pigs that have improved agricultural traits. Genetic modifications will be produced by either microinjection of gene editing tools into mature pig oocytes or embryos or by using somatic cell nuclear transfer or the cloning procedure with cells that have been genetically engineered. The micromanipulator microscope system and all its components are vital for us to create genetically engineered animals.

2.0 Background: Research is being conducted to develop pigs with improved traits of interest for the swine industry by using genome editing techniques. The scientist will use genomic information to predict DNA sequence changes that will cause beneficial changes in pig production (increased muscle growth, improved nutrition, improved digestibility, disease resistance, etc.) and to test those changes, in vitro phenotyping of cells and organoids will be completed. After genome modifications are created in the cells the change in phenotype will be validated in vitro before moving forward to produce a genome edited pig. Once we have determined the DNA sequence is beneficial to the trait of interest, we will generate a pig with the same DNA sequence. The micromanipulator purchase request will be used to create these genetically engineered animals. There are no other options, and a micromanipulator is needed.

This micromanipulator will also have imaging capabilities to image our organoids which are “mini-organs” to identify what the change in DNA sequence does to the cells. Each change to the genome has to be analyzed in a petri dish before we make a genome edited animal. This imaging software will play an important role in validating our research. The entirety is an extremely specific system that has many parts that are extremely important for overall function.

CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENTS

3.0 Technical Requirements/Tasks:

1. We need to capture epi-fluorescence images of organoids, which often be slightly too large to capture in a single image using a 10x objective. We need an inverted microscope with side ports offering 25mm diagonal field of view, enabling 25mm diagonal field of view images at 10x magnification. This is a requirement for ensuring the largest possible images of our organoids.

2. We also require a large format camera sensor with a 29.4mm diagonal field of view.

3. To complement large field of view epi-fluorescence imaging, we require a motorized epi-fluorescence filter cube turret capable of housing filter cubes with 32mm emission and excitation filters.

4. For cloning and microinjections, we require perfect phase contrast alignment. Therefore, we need a built-in Bertrand Lens for back aperture visualization, enabling easy alignment of phase contrast.

5. For 3D organoid imaging, we require a motorized Z-drive to capture automated z-stacks.

6. For 3D organoid imaging, we require a motorized XY stage for automated image stitching.

7. We require an epi-fluorescence LED light engine with excitation lines at 385nm, 475nm, 550nm, and 621nm wavelengths.

8. We require software with 3D Deconvolution for image processing and 3D visualization of organoids.

9. We require software with optional upgrades for customized batch analysis routines including 3D volumetric measurements, object counting, artificial intelligence-based segmentation, AI-assisted acquisition, and customized motorized acquisition routines.

10. Our needs might evolve over time, and to ensure future-proofing for possible expansion we need a microscope that is field-upgradeable to confocal imaging.

11. To easily toggle diascopic imaging modalities, we need a motorized condenser turret with phase contrast.

12. We require an integrated 1.5x intermediate magnification lens selector for magnifying images.

13. We require onsite installation with ongoing training and support at no additional cost.

4.0 Government Furnished: Not applicable

5.0 Deliverables / Schedule: Must provide 1-year extended warranty. Must be delivered 120 days after award. The equipment must be delivered to:

USDA ARS

University of Missouri

162 ASRC

920 East Campus Dr Columbia, MO 65211

6.0 Travel: Travel is not required

7.0 Contractor’s Key Personnel: NA

8.0 Security Requirements: There are no security requirements.

9.0 Data Rights: There are no data rights to be acquired.

10.0 Section 508 – Electronic and Information Technology Standards: NA

Attachment: N/A