Chromosome Conformation and Whole Genome Sequencing - KINGSTON RI

The Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service seeks chromosome conformation and whole genome sequencing services for eastern oyster genetic diversity assessment, with quotations due July 10 at 5:00 PM Central Time and questions due June 23 at 12:00 PM Central Time. This is a Total Small Business Set-Aside; only small business concerns may submit quotations.

Place of performance is Kingston, Rhode Island. The NAICS code is 541714, Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology), with a small business size standard of 1,000 employees.

The contractor must perform DNA extraction, library preparation, and paired-end sequencing on two samples for chromosome conformation capture and 21 tissue samples for whole genome sequencing. All libraries require 2 x 150 bp reads targeting 100 million paired reads per sample (200 million reads total) for 50x coverage of a 600 Mbp genome. Chromosome conformation samples must use non-specific endonuclease techniques such as OmniC kit or equivalent, generating over 50% long-range cis pairs when mapped to the NCBI RefSeq eastern oyster genome assembly. All sequence data must achieve a minimum of 70% of bases with quality score above Q30 and be delivered as demultiplexed FASTQ files. The contractor must employ sequencing technology producing minimal insertion/deletion errors, such as Illumina or equivalent, and provide a Certificate of Conformance per FAR 52.246-15. The contractor must demonstrate previous successful experience applying the proposed chromosome conformation technique to one or more marine invertebrate species. Delivery is due August 15, 2026.

Award will be made to the lowest price technically acceptable offeror based on evaluation of price, technical acceptability, and past performance. Quotations must be held firm for 90 calendar days. F.O.B. destination applies.