B504--RNA Sequencing for Translational Research Center for TBI and Stress Disorders (TRACTS) Study

Regional Procurement Office (RPO) - East intends to negotiate on a sole source basis with Azenta US, Inc., 2910 Fortune Circle West, Suite E, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46241-5502, to purchase RNA sequencing services for the Research Department at the VA Boston Healthcare System - Jamaica Plain. Requirement is for new contract for same services following Contract 36C24124P0915.

STATEMENT OF WORK

A. GENERAL INFORMATION

Azenta Sequencing, Analysis, Library Preparation/Analysis.

Azenta will conduct RNA extraction, library preparation, data delivery, and RNA sequencing of up to 400 whole blood samples from the Translational Research Center for TBI and Stress Disorders (TRACTS) research participants. Sequencing will be performed using an Illumina sequencing platform. Sequencing runs will collect data for about 30 million reads per sample. Quality control analysis will be provided for all 400 samples and TRACTS will be notified if the RNA quality is compromised.

Background.

During Fiscal Year 2023, Azenta performed the services requested in this contract for 36 whole blood samples of TRACTS participants to confirm that samples stored since 2018 and later were still viable. The extraction and sequencing confirmed viability of all 36 samples. The following year, Azenta successfully performed the same services on a backlog of 400 samples. This renewal will provide data for the remaining backlog of 200 samples and the projected incoming 200 samples. It is essential to sequence the remaining stored samples to extract and process valuable data for the TRACTS biorepository with respect to rRNA and globin depletion and continue sequencing remaining samples with these methods. Sequencing will be performed on RNA extracted from the whole blood samples of TRACTS participants. Libraries will be sequenced using an Illumina sequencer. Data will be stored on FASTQ for 6 months.

Scope of Work.

The Scope of Work involves the following specific tasks:

Receipt of whole blood samples from TRACTS.

Cell count and viability quality control.

RNA extraction.

Library preparation.

rRNA and globin depletion analysis.

Illumina sequencing.

Reporting results to TRACTS.

Providing access to the restricted FASTQ library for authorized TRACTS users.

VA data will be destroyed after transfer to designated TRACTS user and after 6 months of storage.

This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals. Any responsible sources who wish to identify their interest and capability to provide this equipment or equipment that is compatible must notify this Contracting Officer at millicent.covert@va.gov, no later than 11:59 AM EST, Tuesday, August 26, 2025. Telephone responses will not be accepted. Upon receipt of the interested parties' notification, the Contracting Officer will determine whether to conduct competitive procurement or proceed with sole source negotiations.