USDA ARS RNA-Seq Library Preparation and Sequencing Services

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service seeks RNA-Seq library preparation and sequencing services for poultry samples, with quotations due September 21, 2026, at 5:00 PM Pacific Time. The procurement is a Total Small Business set-aside, issued as a commercial items acquisition under FAR Part 12.

Place of performance is Ames, Iowa (MWA National Animal Disease Center, 1920 Dayton Avenue). The contractor must prepare and sequence up to 176 poultry RNA samples using stranded mRNA-Seq library preparation with poly(A) enrichment or validated alternative rRNA depletion methods, incorporating unique dual indexing. Sequencing shall employ Illumina NovaSeq X or equivalent platform, delivering paired-end reads of 2×100 bp or 2×150 bp with a minimum of 50 million paired-end reads per sample and at least 80% of bases at Q30 or higher. Libraries must be randomized across lanes and flow cells to minimize technical variation and batch effects. The contractor shall provide demultiplexed compressed FASTQ files, sequencing run information, and library construction details. The USDA furnishes extracted RNA and pre-submission quality control. Performance period is 90 days from award, with deliverables due January 15, 2027. All sequencing data and quality control documentation are subject to Government review and acceptance; the contractor is responsible for correcting or repeating work at no additional cost if requirements are not met. The USDA retains unlimited rights to all data produced. NAICS code is 541380 (Testing Laboratories and Services), with a small business size standard of $19 million. The contract is a rated order under the Defense Priorities and Allocations System. Contracting Officer Veronica Beck may be reached at veronica.beck@usda.gov or 951-405-4068.