Q301--Research Lab Services Affiliate RNA Sequencing

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Veterans Health Administration Veterans Integrated Service Network 4 has issued a Special Notice announcing its intent to award a sole source firm fixed-price purchase order to Duke University Sequencing Core Facility Shared Resource. The contract, valued for a one-year period, will support VA research office requirements by procuring RNA extraction, sequencing, and data processing research services. The procurement is specifically targeted at the VA Durham Health Care System's research department, with a critical focus on maintaining experimental data continuity. This sole source procurement is being pursued under Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 6.302.5-1, with the authority of 41 USC A3304(a)(5). The notice emphasizes Duke University's unique position as the primary academic affiliate with precise expertise required for the research project.

The primary objective of this Special Notice is to secure specialized RNA sequencing services that ensure minimal disruption to ongoing research methodologies. The contract has a response deadline of April 8, 2025, with interested parties able to contact Contracting Officer Ann Marie Stewart via email at annmarie.stewart@va.gov. Eligibility is effectively limited to Duke University, as the VA has determined they are the only practical vendor capable of providing the required services without substantial cost duplication or research delays. The procurement falls under NAICS code 541720 (Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities) with a $28 million size standard and PSC code Q301 for Reference Laboratory Testing. While the notice is a pre-solicitation announcement, the VA retains sole discretion on whether to conduct a competitive procurement based on potential responses. The contract's critical focus is maintaining research continuity and minimizing potential "batch effect" issues in experimental data interpretation.