Genome Sequencing

The Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service is seeking genome sequencing services to support scientific research on cellular dynamics of host-parasite interactions in goats, sheep, and rodents at their Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory. The procurement requires single cell genomic services including tissue dissociation, single-cell library preparation using 10X Genomics Chromium GEM-X Single Cell Gene Expression kits, and next-generation sequencing using an Illumina NovoSeq X sequencer to process 31 tissue samples across two batches. Technical specifications demand achieving 10,000-20,000 cells per sample with greater than 75% cell type recovery efficiency and the ability to detect rare cell types at 0.01-0.05% frequency while generating 30,000-50,000 read pairs per cell. The contract will be awarded on a best value basis evaluating technical capabilities, past performance, and pricing, with offerors required to demonstrate knowledge and skill in genome sequencing services and provide at least two relevant project references from the past two years. Questions must be submitted by July 28, 2025, and electronic quotes are due via email to frank.palmer@usda.gov by 3:00 pm Mountain Time on August 1, 2025.

This solicitation is designated as a total small business set-aside under NAICS code 541714 with a size standard of 1,000 employees, and no current contractors or incumbents are identified in the documentation. The contract structure includes a firm-fixed price purchase order with a 12-month base period running from September 1, 2025 through August 31, 2026, plus one optional 1-year extension period through August 31, 2027. While specific award values are not disclosed, the solicitation requires unit pricing for each line item with pricing valid for at least 60 days after receipt, and incorporates prevailing wage requirements with minimum wages of $17.75 per hour for applicable positions. The primary place of performance is the Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory in Beltsville, Maryland, though samples may be processed at the contractor's facility with results delivered to Calverton, MD 20705. Vendors must maintain active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) and submit quotes on company letterhead to be considered for award.