Genomic Testing Service Contract

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotes are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. Solicitation number 12561520Q0051 is issued as a request for quote (RFQ). The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2020-06. The associated NAICS code is 541380, Testing Laboratories, with a small business size standard of $16.5 Million and the PSC is B529.

The Department of Agriculture (ARS) has the need for the following products:

001) Genomic Testing Service Contract

Scope of Work:

The USDA-Dairy Forage Research Farm at Prairie du Sac, WI is seeking quotes for a service contract for genomic testing of Holstein and Jersey animals in the farm research herd, via testing of tissue sample units (TSU) or blood cards. The contract is for processing up to 200 samples for the base period and up to 250 samples for the four option years.

Background: 

Herd genomic sampling is an important part of evaluating which young stock (heifers) to keep for the dairy production herd and which to sell. Genomic sampling provides relevant trait information that the herd manager uses for making breeding decisions and about the suitability of keeping animals in the dairy herd.

Technical Requirements: 

Processing up to 200 TSU or blood card samples from Holstein and Jersey animals using industry best practices to evaluate key traits that are important for improved dairy health and production (with processing up to 250 TSU or blood card samples during the option year periods).

Contractor’s Key Personnel:

The vendor’s personnel must have experience in processing genomic samples to meet the herd manager’s needs.

Government Furnished:

The US Dairy Forage Farm will provide up to 200 TSU or blood card samples for processing in the base period and up to 250 TSU or blood card samples for processing during the option year periods.

Key Deliverables:

• Genomic testing of Holstein and Jersey animals via testing of tissue sample units (TSU) or blood cards of up to 200 samples (base period).
• Genomic testing of Holstein and Jersey animals via testing of tissue sample units (TSU) or blood cards of up to 250 samples (four option years).

Delivery: 

Samples will need to be processed as soon as possible, and/or before 09/30/2020. After which a new annual contract would be enacted if an option year is exercised.

The vendor shall provide all items F.O.B: destination. Location of the Government site is aboard USDA-ARS Prairie du Sac, WI and will be identified in the contract. The Government anticipates award of a Firm Fixed Price contract with a base period and four option years.

Submitting a Quote:

To be eligible for an award, all contractors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) with a current and active registration. A contractor can contact SAM by calling 1-866-606-8220 or e-mail at www.sam.gov. NO EXCEPTIONS. A DUNS (Dun and Bradstreet) number is required in order to register. Vendor must also include their DUNS# on their quote.

The submission and payment of invoices on any resulting contract will be made through the Invoice Processing Platform (IPP). As such, vendors must be currently registered or register in IPP in order to be able to submit and receive payment on invoices for the resulting contract.

Offerors responding to this announcement shall submit their quote on SF-18 (see attached). The quote should include all fees, delivery charges, and/or surcharges. This will be a tax-exempt purchase.

Only electronic submissions will be accepted. Please email all quotes in writing on the SF-18 to aaron.dimeo@usda.gov by no later than Monday, July 27, 2020 at 5:00 PM Central Standard Time.

Questions in regards to this combined synopsis/solicitation must be submitted through email and are due no later than 3:00 PM CST on Thursday, July 23, 2020. Answers to any questions received by that time will be posted as an amendment to this combined synopsis/solicitation.