Benchtop Ultra-Long Read DNA Sequencer

The Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service seeks to procure one benchtop ultra-long read DNA sequencer, with quotations due June 8, 2026 at 4:00 PM Central Time and questions due June 3, 2026 at 12:00 PM Central Time. This is a Total Small Business Set-Aside restricted to unrestricted small business concerns; the small business size standard is 1,000 employees.

Place of performance and delivery is Pullman, Washington (410 SE Dairy Rd, Vogel Plant Biosciences Building, Room 325). The sequencer will support the USDA-ARS Wheat Health Genetics and Quality Unit for de novo genome assembly, genomic analysis, and transcriptomic analysis of invasive and native weed species. Delivery is required within 60 days after receipt of order, with period of performance June 12 through August 12, 2026.

The sequencer must produce reads exceeding 20 kilobases from high molecular weight DNA; perform direct RNA sequencing without cDNA synthesis; generate ultra-long reads of at least 2 megabases; accurately sequence repetitive, GC-rich genome regions; allow direct identification of epigenetic modifications such as methylation; integrate with upstream and downstream genomic analysis pipelines; generate coverage of large complex grass and dicot genomes at 5–10x coverage depth; include manufacturer-provided support and training; fit benchtop dimensions not exceeding 300 millimeters (width) by 200 millimeters (height) by 500 millimeters (depth); operate on standard U.S. electrical power (115V/60Hz); and be new and non-refurbished. All equipment, spare parts, accessories, and installation costs must be included, along with a standard one-year manufacturer's warranty from final on-site acceptance.

Award will be made on a firm fixed-price basis to the lowest price technically acceptable quoter. Evaluation criteria are price, technical acceptability based on specifications, and past performance (acceptable, neutral, or unacceptable). Quoters must provide place of manufacture and demonstrate how proposed equipment meets or exceeds salient characteristics through product specifications, datasheets, or brochures. Pricing must remain firm for 90 calendar days from the offer due date. Quoters must hold F.O.B. Destination terms. The NAICS code is 334516 (Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing); PSC is 6640 (Laboratory Equipment and Supplies). The contracting officer is Melissa Santos (504-286-4428, melissa.santos@usda.gov).