B--DNA SEQUENCING

This is a Sources Sought Notice only. This is not a request for proposal, but a survey to locate potential sources. This Sources Sought does not constitute an Invitation for Bids, Request for Proposals or a Request for Quotations, and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government to issue an order or otherwise pay for the information solicited, nor is it a guarantee of a forthcoming solicitation or contract. It is for market research purposes only. Respondents will not be notified of the results of the evaluation.

The purpose of this Sources Sought Notice is to gain knowledge of interest, capabilities, and qualifications of various members of industry, to include the Small Business Community: Small Business, Section 8(a), Historically Underutilized Business Zones (HUB-Zone), Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB), and Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB). The Government must ensure there is adequate competition among the potential pool of responsible contractors. Small business, Section 8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, WOSB, & EDWOSB businesses are highly encouraged to participate.

NAICS Code 541380 Testing Laboratories and Services
NAICS Size Standard $19.0

Subject Sources Sought

Point of Contact Mindie Dixon mindie_dixon@ios.doi.gov

Objective - To find sources that are qualified to meet the supplies/services as listed below. Note that the specific requirements are subject to change prior to the release of any solicitation.

The USGS Eastern Ecological Science Center at the Leetown Research Laboratory is requesting DNA sequencing of PCR amplicons ranging between 100-400 bp derived from environmental DNA extracted filtered seawater samples to identify taxonomic composition.

Specifications:
1. The provider must have a demonstrated record of project completion through the sequencing of environmental DNA amplicons on an Illumina NovaSeq 6000 SP flowcells, including those for federal government research laboratories.
2. The provider must perform 100% of the requested sequencing service in-house.
3. The provider must have 15 or more years of experience providing genomic shotgun and amplicon sequencing services.
4. Sequencing must be conducted on an Illumina NovaSeq 6000 using 2x250 bp configuration using SP flowcells. This is to maintain analytical consistency with previous samples also sequenced on the Illumina NovaSeq 6000 platform.

WORK REQUIREMENTS

1) The provider shall notify the principal investigator within 72 hours of any incoming sequencing libraries received in damaged condition.
2) The provider is required to perform quality control (QC) on the provided sequencing library to confirm concentration. If the input material fails the provider¿s quality requirements, the provider must inform the client before proceeding with sequencing work.
3) The USGS must be provided with the demultiplexed fastq files after each run and given sufficient time to download the data before it becomes unavailable for downloading and backup.
4) Analyses must be conducted on an Illumina NovaSeq 6000 using 2x250 bp configuration on an SP flowcell.
5) We require a minimum of 75% of bases ¿Q30 consistent with Illumina¿s output specifications for a NovaSeq SP flowcell.



Responses: All interested parties should notify this office via e-mail by posted date. Responses shall include:
(I)To what extent each of the specifications can be met.
(II) Include your type of business (i.e. commercial, academia), whether your organization is classified as a large or small business. If a small business, you must also list any small disadvantaged status you hold [HUBZone, 8(a), Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), Women Owned Small Business (WOSB), Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB), etc.].
(III)Experience/ performance through the description of completed projects. If an authorized distributor/reseller provide relevant documentation.

Your company must have a UEI number and be registered on-line at the System for Award Management (SAM). You will also be required to provide your small business status information either via the Online Representations and Certifications also located at the SAM.gov website before an award to your company can be made. Your on-line registration will cover any/all of your offers to the Federal Government and only needs updated annually.
Responses to this source sought notice will be used by the Government to make appropriate acquisition decisions. All interested sources must respond to future solicitation announcements separately from responses to this market survey. Any solicitation that may be issued will be posted on the SAM.Gov. It is the responsibility of potential responders to monitor the site for additional information pertaining to this announcement.