Synthesis Cloning and Transformation

Notice of Intent: The USDA, ARS, MSA intends to award a sole source procurement to the Wisconsin Crop Innovation Center, University of Wisconsin - Madison, 8520 University Green, Middleton, WI, 53562, as they are the sole source for Sorghum bicolor transformation/DNA synthesis services pursuant to the authority of 41 U.S.C. 253(c)(I) and FAR 6.302-1, Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy agency Requirements. The award will be for the services of a dedicated plant transformation facility capable of transforming (genetically modifying) sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) plants with a series of gene promoter and protein coding sequences identified by the USDA-ARS. The work will require eight separate sorghum transformations as well as the synthesis of the transgenes to be transformed into the sorghum genome. The transformation facility must house a state-of-the-art transgenic plant laboratory possessing significant expertise in performing Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of Sorghum bicolor. The facility must also possess automated, controlled, and isolated greenhouse spaces for the production of transgenic seeds, and adequate growth chambers, incubators, and sterile hoods for performing sorghum transformation procedures. The facility should also possess significant expertise and state-of-the-art equipment and facilities for performing DNA synthesis procedures required for the generation of the transgenes to be used for the eight Sorghum bicolor transformations. The Wisconsin Crop Innovation Center is currently the sole source for this type of service that can satisfy all of the above criteria and meet the requirements of the researcher.
The Government intends to award a firm fixed price Purchase Order on or about 08/24/2018, using Simplified Acquisition Procedures. This Notice of Intent is not considered a Request for Quotation (RFQ) nor is it a Request for Proposals (RFP). No solicitation document is available and telephone requests will not be honored. Interested persons may identify their interest and capability to respond to this requirement. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed contract based on responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. The Government will consider all responses received by 3:00 pm central time, 08/23/2018. Information received will be considered solely for determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. Inquiries should be e-mailed to huron.virden@ars.usda.gov or mailed to the Contracting Officer at the following address:

Contracting Office Address:
USDA-ARS-Western Business Service Center
P.O. BOX 225
Stoneville, MS. 38776-0225

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