Wheat Genotyping

The Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service is soliciting quotations for wheat genotyping services under RFQ 1232SA26Q0236, which is issued as a combined synopsis and solicitation for commercial items. The contractor will perform targeted genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) on 1,920 wheat samples using the AgriSeq Wheat 4k genotyping panel to support the Plant Science Research Unit's investigation into complex genetic traits. Key requirements include DNA library preparation for all 1,920 samples with rescue primer spike-in, sequencing of prepared libraries with mean target coverage of at least 100x, and delivery of all variant calls in a single merged Variant Call Format (VCF) file within 30 calendar days of receiving DNA samples from USDA. The evaluation will use lowest price technically acceptable criteria, with only the lowest-priced quotation initially evaluated for technical acceptability, and past performance will be assessed as acceptable, neutral, or unacceptable based on CPARS ratings and contract history. Questions and quotations must be submitted via email to christopher.c.turner@usda.gov with the solicitation number in the subject line no later than 48 hours prior to the March 4, 2026 due date, with quotation pricing remaining firm for a minimum of 30 days from solicitation close.

This acquisition is designated as a Total Small Business Set-Aside with a small business size standard of $19 million under NAICS code 541380 (Testing Laboratories and Services). No incumbent contractor is identified in the solicitation documents. The contract will be awarded on a firm-fixed-price basis to a single responsible offeror, with the period of performance running from March 13, 2026 through August 31, 2026, and all work to be completed within 30 calendar days of sample receipt. Services will be performed at the SEA Plant Science Research facility located at 840 Oval Drive, Plant Science Building, Raleigh, North Carolina 27607, with items shipped F.O.B. Destination to that address. Service Contract Labor Standards apply to the contract, with a minimum wage of $26.49 per hour for Laboratory Technician positions, and invoices must be submitted electronically through the Department of Treasury's Invoice Processing Platform in arrears upon acceptance and delivery of services.