This is NOT a solicitation for proposals, proposal abstracts, or quotations.  This Sources Sought is issued for information and planning purposes only as part of USDA ARS market research and does not itself constitute an RFQ.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is searching for firms that can provide DNA and RNA Sequencing Genotyping by

sequencing libraries and RNA sample preps and sequencing. This Sources Sought is only for the purpose of identifying potential sources as part of USDA ARS market research. The Government does not intend to make an award based on responses to this inquiry. This notice does not constitute a commitment by the Government.

Responses to the information requested will assist the Government in determining the appropriate acquisition method, including whether a set-aside is possible. 

Background

The NEA Plant Genetic Resources Research performs research and analysis on genetic characterization and utilization of crop diversity which rely on the genetic analysis of hundreds to thousands of individual plants with large numbers of DNA markers and RNA gene expression. This genetic analysis requires standard steps: DNA or RNA isolation, library preparation, sequencing, and bioinformatic data analyses. It is critical that these steps are reproducible.

Capability Statement

All information submitted in response to this announcement is voluntary, and the Government will not pay for information requested nor will it compensate any respondent for any cost incurred in developing information provided to the Government. Small business concerns that believe they possess the capabilities necessary to undertake this work should submit complete documentation of their capabilities to the Contracting Officer.  Capability statements shall include the name and telephone of a point of contact having authority and knowledge to discuss their response.

The capability statement should include:

1. Verification of your business size
2. Verification of ability to perform requested complexity of the requested DNA and RNA  analysis. Complexity is defined and determined based on the following standard steps that must be reproducible: DNA or RNA isolation; Library preparation; Sequencing; and Bioinformatic data analyses
3. REQUIREMENTS.
   1. Protocols for optimized RNA gene expression in single cells via biolistic particle bombardment:
   2. Based on the contractor’s experience and expertise, optimize protocols for establishment of single cells for biolistic particle bombardment that would enable non-chimeric grapevine regeneration.
   3. Provide detailed written protocols to USDA-ARS.
4. Genome edited plant:
   1. Based on the above protocols, use DNA-free gene editing via biolistic particle bombardment
   2. For each of three experiments involving guide RNAs provided by USDA-ARS, samples from 380 independently edited plants must be delivered, arrayed in 96-well plates for DNA extraction, and plants must continue to be maintained and individually tracked in a viable state until genetic testing is completed.
   3. Plants must be in the Merlot genetic background, and use a CRISPR-Cas9 and guide RNAs DNA-free gene editing strategy.
   4. Any plants testing positive by USDA-ARS genetic testing must be acclimated to potting soil prior to delivery to USDA-ARS.

3. Any other information considered relevant to this requirement.

4. The government requests that no proprietary, classified, confidential, or sensitive information should be included in the response. 

Any organization responding to this notice should ensure that its response is complete and sufficiently detailed to allow the Government to determine the organization’s qualifications to perform the work.  Respondents are advised that the Government is under no obligation to acknowledge receipt of the information received or provide feedback to respondents with respect to any information submitted.  After review of the responses received, pre-solicitation and solicitation notices may be published on beta.sam.gov.

Original Point of Contact

All responses to this Sources Sought Notice must be received by April 23, 2021 at 1:00 pm. EDST the specified due date and time in order to be considered.  With the subject heading for: 1030445NPGRR Attn. [email protected]. Responses will not be returned. Responders are solely responsible for all expenses associated with responding to this Inquiry.

Do not submit pricing information in response to this Request.