12905B25Q0020- Pre-Solicitation Notice for Lettuce Targeted Metabolomics USDA ARS PWA Salinas CA

The United States Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service (USDA ARS) Pacific West Area is seeking a small business contractor to conduct targeted metabolomics analysis on 1,100 lettuce samples at their Crop Improvement and Protection Research facility in Salinas, California. The primary objective is to analyze phytohormones including abscisic acid, auxins, cytokinins, and gibberellins using consistent laboratory approaches previously established in prior research. Contractors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) and will be evaluated based on their ability to match previous analytical methods and deliver precise scientific results. The Request for Quotation (RFQ) will be posted on SAM.gov on December 19, 2024, with quotes due by December 23, 2024, at 1700 Pacific Time. Interested vendors should monitor the SAM.gov "Contracting Opportunities" section for the complete RFP package and any potential amendments.

The contract is designated as a Total Small Business Set-Aside under NAICS code 541714, with a small business size standard of 1,000 employees. The incumbent contractor, Bridging Pieces, previously analyzed the same sample set under Purchase Order 12905B23P0206 and is being considered for continuity of research methodology. The period of performance will run from December 30, 2024, to February 28, 2025, with final results due by March 7, 2025. Sample requirements specify 100-300mg of fresh tissue frozen in liquid nitrogen, with results to be provided electronically in common file formats. While specific award values are redacted, the solicitation includes a Department of Labor wage determination setting Medical Technician wages at $19.77 per hour, which may provide insight into potential contract pricing. The procurement will be awarded on a firm-fixed price basis, emphasizing consistent and high-quality scientific analysis of lettuce metabolomic characteristics.