Analysis of Choline, Carnitine, Betaine, TMAO

Sources Sought Notice

Analysis of Choline, Carnitine, Betaine, and TMAO

Sources Sought #1115097-SS

This is a Sources Sought notice Only.  This is NOT a solicitation for proposals, proposal abstracts, or quotations.  This Sources Sought is issued for information and planning purposes only as part of USDA ARS market research and does not itself constitute an RFQ.

Background

Previous research has shown that increased concentration of TMAO may promote atherosclerosis and increase risk for cardiovascular disease.  TMAO is produced by bacteria from the precursors choline and carnitine.  Dr. Steve Hazen is a world recognized physician scientist who made some of the first discoveries linking TMAO with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, with the development of analytical methods to measure these compounds, and with investigating foods, such as meats, and how their consumption might impact disease risk. 

Requirements

Analysis of serum samples from the USDA Meat And Pattern (MAP) Study to measure the concentration of serum choline, carnitine, trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) and related compounds of endogenous and microbial carnitine and choline metabolism.

Analyze 270 human serum samples for carnitine, choline, betaine and TMAO using LC/MS/MS methods.  Analytical approach must use stable isotope dilution liquid chromatography with online LC–MS/MS on a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer.  A stable isotope, such as d9(trimethyl)TMAO, should be used as an internal standard. 

TMAO, related compounds, and d9(trimethyl)TMAO should be monitored using electrospray ionization in positive‐ion mode with multiple reaction monitoring of parent and characteristic daughter ion transitions: m/z 76→58 and 85→66, respectively. Intraday laboratory coefficients of variation (CV) for TMAO should be <6% and interday CV should be < 10%.  Published lower limit of detection (LLOD) must be at least 0.02 micromolar, the lower limit of quantitation (LLOQ) must be at least 0.05 micromolar and the upper limit of quantitation (ULOQ) should be greater than 200 micromolar.  Published accuracy should be at least 97%.

The analytical method should be published in the peer-reviewed scientific literature, along with data of accuracy, recovery, and linearity. Methods must be consistent with those described in Anal Biochem. 2014 Jun 15; 455: 35–40.

The Contractor Shall:

This Sources Sought is only for the purpose of identifying potential sources as part of USDA ARS market research. The Government does not intend to make an award based on responses to this inquiry. This notice does not constitute a commitment by the Government.

Responses to the information requested will assist the Government in determining the appropriate acquisition method, including whether a set-aside is possible.  

The purpose of this notice is to obtain information regarding the availability and capability of qualified sources including any Small Businesses; HUBZone small business; service-disabled, veteran-owned small business; 8(a) small business; veteran-owned small business; woman-owned small business; or small disadvantaged businesses. Please state if you are a large business or a small business according to the NAICS code listed in this Sources Sought.

All information submitted in response to this announcement is voluntary, and the Government will not pay for information requested nor will it compensate any respondent for any cost incurred in developing information provided to the Government.

Any organization responding to this notice should ensure that its response defines how it can specifically meet the specifications for the items requested.  Respondents are advised that the Government is under no obligation to acknowledge receipt of the information received or provide feedback to respondents with respect to any information submitted.  After review of the responses received, a Combined Synopsis solicitation notice may be published on Sam.gov.

Submit the Following:

• Capability Statement that demonstrates your ability to  meet the specific requirements, including Company Contact Info
• SAM.gov UEI Number
• Identify if you are a large business or a small business with NACIS 5419901.

Original Point of Contact: All responses to this Sources Sought Notice must be received by December 15, 2023, by 10:00 AM PDT, the specified due date and time to be considered. 

Email responses to Elizabeth Wilson at Elizabeth.Wilson2@usda.gov.

Responses will not be returned. Responders are solely responsible for all expenses associated with responding to this Inquiry.

Do not submit pricing information in response to this Request.