CERC Generation of a Thiaminase-Knockout Zebrafish

The U.S. Geological Survey Columbia Environmental Research Center (CERC) is seeking a small business contractor to generate a zebrafish knockout line with a specific genetic deletion on chromosome 4, involving the tenA-like thiaminase I tandem duplication. This research is supported by a 5-year Department of Defense Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program grant focused on studying thiaminase production in fish. The contract requires the contractor to complete three critical phases: CRISPR design and verification, F0 injections and somatic mutagenesis assessment, and identification of germline transmission to produce sequence-confirmed F2 animals. Interested vendors must be registered in SAM.gov and submit written quotes electronically to krschneider@usgs.gov by February 24, 2025, at 5:00 PM Central Standard Time. The solicitation (RFQ 140G0125Q0059) will be officially issued on February 7, 2025, with evaluation likely focusing on technical capabilities, genetic engineering expertise, and ability to meet precise research requirements.

The contract is a 100% small business set-aside under NAICS code 541380 with a size standard of $19 million, targeting testing laboratories and services specializing in advanced genetic research. Work will be performed entirely at the contractor's facility over a 24-month period, with the first 10-12 months dedicated to bioinformatic and wet laboratory work. The total project timeline requires delivery of the zebrafish knockout line by January 22, 2026, to the USGS Columbia Environmental Research Center in Columbia, Missouri. While specific budget details are not explicitly stated, the contract involves comprehensive genetic engineering services including comprehensive bioinformatic analysis, embryo injections (400-500 embryos), and sequencing to validate genetic modifications. The procurement falls under the Product Service Code B516 for Special Studies/Analysis in Animal/Fisheries research, indicating a highly specialized scientific service requirement.