Nitrate Reduction via Rare Earth Elements as a Solution in Synthitic Biology Research

The US Army Corps of Engineers, Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) intends to negotiate on a sole source basis (IAW FAR 6.302-1(a)(2)) with the Bioconscientia, LLC, (Cage 9BNY4) 1125 Walton LN, Unit B, Austin TX 78721-3016, for a contract for Nitrate Reduction via Rare Earth Elements as a Solution in Synthetic Biology Research.

The US Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC), Environmental Laboratory (EL), requires scientific research services to leverage expertise in synthetic biology to provide stakeholders deliverables for ongoing projects.  This research shall meet the need of the Environmental Laboratory to execute its mission in environmental sustainability using novel synthetic biology approaches.

The US Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC), Environmental Laboratory (EL), had a contract with Bioconscientia (W912HZ22P00150) for Research and Development for Novel Synthetic Biology Approaches for Rare Earth Elements, Biohybrid Building Materials, and Electromagnetic Control of Spore Germination. This is a follow-on requirement that relies on previously developed methodology and algorithms under contract W912HZ22P0150.

The minimum needs for this requirement shall include: investigate the use of synthetic biology to design bioenabled materials for development of resilient and sustainable resources and infrastructure, support development of secure supply chains for critical materials such as Rare Earth Elements (REE) and developing sensors/enzymes for monitoring and degrading chemicals and biologicals in the environment. The Contractor must demonstrate successful fusion of synthetic biology research and the design of electronically controlled bioenabled materials for the US Government; must demonstrate experience using synthetic biology approaches involving microorganisms; must demonstrate publication success in synthetic biology, bioenabled materials, and microorganisms; and must have PhD in Synthetic Biology or other related field. The developed methods and algorithms are proprietary under the previous listed contract and the new follow-on tasks rely on this data for project continuity.

This acquisition is being conducted under FAR 13.106-1(b). There are no set-aside restrictions for this requirement.  The intended procurement will be classified under North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) 541714 Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology), with a small business size standard of 1,000 employees. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals and no solicitation document exists for this requirement.  All capability statements received by the closing date of the publication of this synopsis will be considered by the Government. A determination by the Government not to compete based on responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement.

Capability statements shall be submitted only by e-mail as a Microsoft Office Word, Microsoft Office Excel, or Adobe PDF attachment to crystal.e.north@usace.army.mil and Sonia.j.boyd@usace.army.mil Statements are due by 1000 (10:00 am) Eastern Time 14 August 2023.  No phone calls will be accepted. 

Point of Contact

Crystal North, Contract Specialist, Email crystal.e.north@usace.army.mil

Sonia Boyd, Contracting Officer, Email Sonia.j.boyd@usace.army.mil

Place of Performance

Address:        UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS – AUSTIN LABORATORIES

                      10000 Burnet Road

                      Austin, TX

Postal Code:  78758

Country:        UNITED STATES