Whole Genome and Metagenomics Sequencing Project

SOURCES SOUGHT

The purpose of this sources sought is to conduct market research to determine if responsible sources exist by determining if this effort can be successfully competed and/or set-aside for Small Businesses. The proposed North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code is 541713-Research and Development in Nanotechnology. The size standard is 1,000 employees.

The Government will use this information to determine the best acquisition strategy for this procurement. The Government is interested in all large and small businesses to include 8(a), Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned, HubZone and Women-Owned small business concerns.

The Regional Health Contracting Office-Central, Joint Base San Antonio, Fort Sam Houston, Texas, is seeking potential sources to support the Army's Whole Genome and Metagenomics Sequencing Project. These services are specialized laboratory services needed to support the whole genome and metagenomics sequencing project requiring specialized DNA sequencing, instrumentation and bioinformatics analysis not available at the Brooke Army Medical Center. The specialized NxSeq AmpFREE library construction method will be utilized to construct a fragmented DNA library from fifteen (15) to twenty (20) of ninety-six (96) well plates of either amplicon libraries and/or whole-genome shotgun libraries or both. Illumina's Nextera XT kit will work with both library preparatory methodologies. Vendors must be "Propel Certified Service Providers" to construct Nx Seq AmpFree libraries utilizing the customized Illumina Nextera XT Library preparation kit method where input DNA is not limiting. In-house instrumentation will be used to assess Library quality prior to loading on the sequencer, resulting in more accurate sequencer loading and run performance so as to ensure expected products are generated. Illumina's Nextera XT kit may allow users to load the libraries including a final quality check, to produce consistent sequencing results from run to run. NxSeq AmpFree Library preparation kit is considerably a less expensive process method, but is highlighted as a high priority in meeting the DHA requirement. The data library quality evaluation process is a requirement to support pending patent application and further product development. Samples are to ensure the successful completion of Defense Health Agency, Research Development, Test and Evaluation funded research projects. Results generated from these services may lead to several presentations, publications and possibly new technology developed to support patient care and the warfighter. This requirement is vital to obtain validation data to further develop research studies and ultimately, the aim is to improve military and global health through personalized diagnostics and lower healthcare expenditures consistent with the vision and mission of Army Medicine.

This is not a solicitation. This information is for planning purposes only and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government, implied or otherwise, to issue a solicitation or award a contract. Potential sources responding to this sources sought notice are advised their responses do not ensure participation in future solicitations or contract awards. The Government will not reimburse any company or individual for any expense.

Potential sources who are interested should identify/provide business name, address, DUNS number; point of contact; business size and business socio-economic category; register in SAM (http://www.sam.gov); and provide a service capability statement. Written responses to this notice shall be electronically mailed in PDF format or Word format to james.m.mote.civ@mail.mil and received no later than 3:00 PM (CST), Tuesday, August 13, 2018. Telephone responses will not be accepted.

This notice is to assist in determining sources only--a solicitation is not currently available.

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