Intent to Single Source GeneSeek

NOTICE TO SOLE SOURCE

This is a Notice of Intent to Sole Source announcement only. This is not a request for formal proposals or quotes. Any responses to this announcement will be treated as information only. No entitlement to payment of direct or indirect costs or charges by the Government will arise as a result of contractor submission of responses to this announcement or the Government use of such information. This notice does not constitute a solicitation for proposals or the authority to enter into negotiations to award a contract. No funds have been authorized, appropriated for this effort. Purpose and Objectives: Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) services for feral swine.  GeneSeek, a Neogen Company, is the leader in the field of agricultural and animal sciences genomics.  Their large market share and optimized business model as a genomic data service provider allows GeneSeek to provide advanced genomic analyses at a substantial savings over the cost of conducting identical analyses within USDA (personnel time, instrument time, and reagents).  Further, we have a long-standing partnership with GeneSeek in which they have become a trusted contributor/facilitator in fulfilling our management and research missions.  The specific objectives of this study will require the development of a hierarchical dataset in which we will be integrating many genomes (i.e., whole genome sequences) at different sequencing depths (i.e., resolution or levels of confidence) replicated across multiple populations.  The nuance in data generated needed to meet study objectives necessitates working with a service provider with excellent communication and a willingness to meet customer needs – attributes GeneSeek has demonstrated consistently throughout our seven-year history of contracting with this firm. No other supplies or services have been identified that will satisfy the government's needs GeneSeek  is the only company that is able to provide compatible equipment without having to refit all other machines within the department.  This is a sole source requirement that is proprietary to GeneSeek. It has been determined as the only one responsible source as determined in accordance with procedures prescribed in FAR 13.5 and the anticipated contract action is hereby publicized in accordance with FAR 5.101 and FAR 5.203. The purpose of this notification is to communicate the Governments intent to solicit and award a non-competitive purchase of this service. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR TECHNICAL OR COST PROPOSALS. The NAICS code is 541380 Testing Laboratories and Services. The Product Service Code is B504 Special Studies/Analysis-Checmical/Biological. This non-competitive award is implemented by FAR 13.106-1(b), as it has been deemed that only one source is available to meet this specific requirement. The Government intends to procure this sole source requirement under FAR Parts 12 and 16. THIS NOTICE IS NOT A REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE PROPOSALS. This notice of anticipated contract action is published as required by 15 USC 637(e), 41 USC 1708, and implemented by FAR 5.101(a)(2).  Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice. A determination by the government not to compete this proposed requirement is solely within the discretion of the government. Point of Contact: Mario Garcia, Contract Specialist mario.garcia2@usda.gov.  See attached document: Single Source Justification