SAM #36C241-26-AP-4037

VA Bedford Healthcare System Seeks U.S.-Based RRBS Sequencing Services for DNA Methylation Profiling

The VA Bedford Healthcare System is seeking U.S.-based providers for Reduced Representation Bisulfite Sequencing (RRBS) services to support neurodegenerative disease research. - Government Buyer: - Department of Veterans Affairs - VA Bedford Healthcare System - Services Requested: - RRBS sequencing for DNA methylation profiling of approximately 269 de-identified human post-mortem choroid plexus tissue samples - Includes: - Sample handling and quality control - Bisulfite conversion with high efficiency (99.0-99.5%) - Library preparation and quality control - Illumina paired-end sequencing (~30 million read pairs per sample) - Bioinformatics analysis: raw data alignment, methylation calling, genome browser track generation - Data delivery in FASTQ, BAM, and BedGraph formats - Chain-of-custody confirmation - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Contractor must be a U.S.-based facility - Sequencing quality must meet or exceed 85% bases at Q30 - All processing and data handling must occur domestically - Turnaround time is 6–8 weeks from receipt of samples, with a maximum period of 6 months to accommodate any re-runs or failed QC samples - No specific OEMs or vendors are named in the notice - Opportunity is focused on market research for SDVOSBs and VOSBs under the Veterans First Contracting Program

Description

This is a Sources Sought Notice for market research purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation. The Department of Veterans Affairs, on behalf of the VA Bedford Healthcare System, is seeking to identify qualified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs) and Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (VOSBs) capable of providing Reduced Representation Bisulfite Sequencing (RRBS) services for DNA methylation profiling of approximately 269 de-identified human post-mortem choroid plexus tissue samples in support of a neurodegenerative disease research program.

Services required include sample handling and QC, bisulfite conversion, library preparation, Illumina paired-end sequencing (~30 million read pairs/sample), and raw data alignment, methylation calling, and genome browser track generation, with an anticipated 6–8 week turnaround. This notice is issued under FAR Part 10, VAAR Part 810, and VAAR Part 819 in accordance with the Veterans First Contracting Program (38 U.S.C. 8127–8128) to determine whether a set-aside is appropriate under the VA "Rule of Two." Interested firms must submit a capability statement addressing technical capability, business size/status, and facility location no later than 11:00 AM EST on August 12, 2026, to Chelsea Cortright at Chelsea.Cortright@va.gov, referencing ID# 36C241-26-AP-4037 in the subject line. This is not a request for proposals, and no contract will result directly from this notice.

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