Notice of Intent to Negotiate a Sole Source Contract

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), US Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE, intends to negotiate on a sole source basis to Neogen-Geneseek located in Lincoln, NE that will use the NeoGen Porcine GGP HD BeadChip array to study the genomic control of meat quality. DNA samples of each pig will be sent to service a provider where they will apply the DNA samples to the NeoGen Porcine GGP HD BeadChip, read the BeadChips and then assess quality of the results. The NeoGen GGP HD Chip is used to assay approximately 51,000 markers in the pig genome for a group of pigs sampled in our NPB project. The NeoGen GGP HD Chip is an extension to the original Illumina Porcine SNP60 BeadChip that USMARC helped to develop and commercialize. The SNP markers included in this product were selected to be useful in most commercial swine populations, as well as includes key genetic markers for numerous production traits (many of which were developed at USMARC). As we currently have over 5,000 animals genotyped with these specific SNP, this product will allow us to continue to build on previous research efforts and assimilate a large data set for quantitative genetic analyses. The NeoGen GGP HD Chip contains SNP in calpastatin that are needed for association with tenderness and Geneseek is the only company that has assess to the SNP. This is needed to be fully compatible with existing results.

This is a notice of intent and is not a request for competitive quotations or proposals. No solicitation is available. Firms that believe they can provide this service are encouraged to identify themselves and provide a substantive statement with descriptive literature and any other supporting information to the Contracting Officer within 9 days of publication of this notice. All information received within 9 days of publication of this synopsis will be considered by the Government to determine if the alternative equipment meets the Government's requirements and is capable of performing the intended task(s). All responses must be in writing and may be faxed to the attention of Donita Furman, fax 402-762-4145, or email at donita.furman@ars.usda.gov. Questions concerning this acquisition must be directed to Donita Furman, email donita.furman@ars.usda.gov.