mRNA-sequencing and Methyl-Bisulfite sequencing from submitted leaf tissue samples

The Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service seeks mRNA-sequencing and Methyl-Bisulfite sequencing services from leaf tissue samples, with quotations due August 4. This is a Total Small Business Set-Aside (100%), and is issued as a Request for Quotation under FAR Part 12 commercial item procedures; no separate written solicitation will be issued.

Place of performance is North River, North Dakota (PA Cereal Crops Research facility, Fargo area). The procurement requires sequencing of up to 610 RNA extract samples with 6 gigabases of data output (CLIN 0001) and 20 DNA extract samples for bisulfite sequencing (CLIN 0002). The performance period runs August 17, 2026 through August 16, 2027. NAICS code is 541380, Testing Laboratories and Services; small business size standard is $19 million.

Award will be made to the lowest priced, technically acceptable offeror using lowest price technically acceptable evaluation criteria, with only the lowest priced offer initially evaluated for technical acceptability. Offerors must demonstrate detailed capability to perform and identify any requirements they cannot accomplish. The contractor must maintain laboratory staff experienced in library quality assurance and instrument operation, deliver QC reports within six business days of sample receipt, complete library preparation within five business days of QC confirmation, provide sequencer run statistics within seven business days, and deliver final data within ten business days of library quality confirmation. Samples may arrive as plant tissue, DNA extract, or RNA extract on a rolling basis with no minimum batch size. Questions are due July 27. The Government will pay upon receipt and acceptance of deliverables via electronic funds transfer.