Site visitations and genetic sample collection

The U.S. Geological Survey Office of Acquisitions and Grants is soliciting site visitations and genetic sample collection services for San Diego ambrosia (Ambrosia pumila) throughout San Diego County, California. Contractors must visit and collect genetic samples from 15-25 documented extant occurrences of the plant species during the growing and flowering season, with deliverables including leaf or bud tissue samples from 150-500 individual plants, voucher specimens, a final data summary with GPS coordinates, and digital photographs. Key qualifications include possession of current federal and state collection permits, affiliation with an accredited herbarium, five years of documented experience identifying Ambrosia pumila and related species, and proof of site access permissions. Evaluation will prioritize technical capability, corporate experience and key personnel qualifications, and past performance (with three references required), with price as a secondary consideration. Quotations must be submitted electronically to tracy_huot@ios.doi.gov no later than March 27, 2026 at 5:00 PM Pacific Daylight Time, with final delivery required by March 31, 2027.

This solicitation is set aside exclusively for small businesses under NAICS code 541990 (All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services), with a small business size standard of $19.5 million in annual revenue. No incumbent contractor or award value has been identified in the solicitation materials. The period of performance runs from April 1, 2026 through March 31, 2027, providing a one-year window for contract execution and sample collection activities. The contract requires collection of genetic samples from multiple plant occurrences across San Diego County, California, representing the geographic scope of performance. Contractors must demonstrate the capacity to conduct fieldwork across diverse sites within San Diego County and deliver comprehensive documentation, samples, and data by the March 31, 2027 deadline.