Genome Sequencing

The Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service seeks whole genome sequencing of 30 fungal samples sourced from spinach seeds, with quotations due August 12 at 1:00 pm Mountain Daylight Time and questions due August 5 at 1:00 pm Mountain Daylight Time. This is a Total Small Business Set-Aside with a 1,000-employee size standard, issued as a combined synopsis/solicitation Request for Quotation under FAR Part 12 for commercial items. No separate written solicitation will be issued.

Place of performance is Salinas, California. The vendor must perform high molecular weight DNA extraction from fungal mycelia, long read PacBio Revio DNA sequencing utilizing two flow cells, de novo genome assembly, and gene annotation for all 30 samples, with sequence and annotation data delivered on a hard drive. Fungal samples will be shipped to the vendor within three weeks of award, and sequencing completion and results delivery are required within 90 days of sample receipt. The overall performance period runs from August 17 through December 16, 2026.

The NAICS code is 541714, Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology), and the PSC code is B529, Special Studies/Analysis—Scientific Data. The procurement uses a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable evaluation approach with a Firm-Fixed Price contract anticipated. Evaluation considers Technical Acceptability (acceptable or unacceptable), Past Performance (acceptable, neutral, or unacceptable), and Price (fair and reasonableness). Only the lowest-priced offer receives technical evaluation; if technically unacceptable or with unacceptable past performance, evaluation proceeds down the price ladder. Offerors must be active and registered in SAM.gov at quotation submission and award. Quotations must be submitted electronically to frank.palmer@usda.gov on company letterhead, valid for 60 days, detailing item description, unit price, and total price. The contracting officer is Kristine M. Stout; Frank Palmer is the point of contact at 303-912-8923.