Element Scientific IDIQ

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service is soliciting quotations on a single-source basis for an Element Biosciences IDIQ contract covering genome sequencing instrumentation, supplies, and support, with quotations due July 24 at 4:00 PM Mountain Time and award anticipated by July 31. This is a restricted competition; the sole-source justification rests on Element Biosciences' exclusive development and distribution of Avidite Base Chemistry sequencing-by-binding technology and proprietary reagents that are incompatible with competing systems and necessary to maintain research consistency across multiple USDA locations currently operating Element equipment.

Place of performance includes the PWA Daniel K. Inouye U.S. Pacific Basin facility in Hilo, Hawaii, with delivery FOB destination. The contract covers Aviti, Aviti24, and Vitari sequencing platform families, associated consumables and reagents including Elevate Cloudbrake Freestyle chemistry and Trinity and Teton library preparation methodologies, and annual warranty and support plans. The IDIQ runs five years from August 1, 2026, through July 31, 2031, with an estimated annual volume of up to $1.45 million and a ceiling price of $8 million, comprising a $7.25 million base period and $750,000 for evaluation of options. NAICS code 334516 (Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing); PSC 6640 (Laboratory Equipment and Supplies); small business size standard is 1,000 employees. Evaluation uses lowest-price technically acceptable criteria; only the lowest-priced offer is initially evaluated for technical acceptability and past performance before proceeding to higher-priced offers if necessary. Quoters must hold prices firm for 90 calendar days from the offer due date and submit electronically to amber.sampson@usda.gov with completed pricing from the attached price list and demonstration of technical acceptability. Contracting Officer Nicole C. McKenzie; Contract Specialist Amber Sampson.