CARC DNA Sequencing

The Central Agricultural Research Center (CARC) in Moccasin, Montana, has issued an Invitation for Bid (MSU-IFB-B0004618) for DNA sequencing services targeting soil and barley rhizosphere samples. The procurement specifically requires sequencing of 1,124 samples, divided into two line items: 1,124 samples for 16S sequencing and 1,124 samples for ITS sequencing. Bidders must utilize the Illumina MiSeq platform with 300+300 bp paired-end reads, generating 50,000 reads per sample, and include library preparation using universal V4-V5 primers for bacterial 16S and ITS2 primers for fungi. The bid was open from January 11, 2022, to January 20, 2022, with a requested delivery date of June 20, 2022. Potential bidders must submit a current W-9 form, provide their company name for invoicing, and demonstrate capability to fulfill the contract requirements. The university reserves the right to request references and verify the bidder's performance ability, with negative references potentially leading to disqualification.

The procurement does not explicitly mention specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. Payment terms are established as 0% 0, Net 30, meaning full payment is due within 30 days of invoice. Bidders are required to disclose all associated costs in their proposal, with the understanding that the university will not be responsible for any costs not initially outlined. The contract opportunity is situated in Mineral County, Montana, with a commodity code of 3003 for Laboratory Services. While specific budget ranges are not detailed in the documentation, the comprehensive nature of the sequencing requirements suggests a potentially significant contract value. The primary contact for this bid is Ramie Pederson, and interested parties must carefully review all specifications and submit comprehensive proposals that demonstrate technical capability and cost-effectiveness for the DNA sequencing project.