SAM #12444726Q0078

USDA seeks advanced metabolomic analysis of human plasma samples for blueberry intake study

This opportunity involves the USDA Agricultural Research Service at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University seeking advanced metabolomic analysis services for a research study on blueberry intake and cognitive function. - Government Buyer: - USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) - Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University - USDA Forest Service, NEA Jean Mayer Human Nutrition Research Center, ARS-121LAN - OEMs and Vendors: - Metabolon, Inc. (sole source vendor and OEM) - Products/Services Requested: - Metabolomic analysis of 58 human plasma samples - Quantification of over 2,500 metabolites per sample - Use of Ultrahigh Performance Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectroscopy (UPLC-MS/MS) - Access to proprietary metabolite libraries and annotation algorithms - Delivery of normalized metabolite concentration data - Statistical and multivariate analyses - Electronic reports in Excel and Word formats - Access to Metabolon Client Portal - Section 508-compliant deliverables - Research-use only; standard turnaround 8-12 weeks - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Prior experience with human plasma metabolomics and high-throughput analytical platforms - Data confidentiality and Section 508 compliance - No travel required - Sole source justification based on Metabolon's proprietary technology and expertise - Period of Performance: - Services to be performed between late September and late December, with delivery by the end of December - No specific product part numbers except for the "Global Discovery Panel Data Only package" (part number: 0001) - The procurement is for specialized scientific services, not physical products.

Description

The USDA intends to award a sole source, firm‑fixed‑price contract to Metabolon, Inc for advanced metabolomic analysis of 58 human plasma samples for a study on blueberry intake and cognitive function. The contractor must quantify over 2,500 metabolites per sample using UPLC‑MS/MS, apply proprietary libraries and annotation tools, and provide normalized data with statistical and multivariate analyses. Prior experience with human plasma and Section 508‑compliant electronic deliverables is required.

Metabolon, Inc. is uniquely qualified to meet the Government’s needs because it is able to accurately quantify more than 2,500 metabolites per human plasma sample, utilize UPLC-MS/MS instrumentation, and apply the proprietary metabolite libraries and annotation algorithms required for precise metabolite identification. The work also demands extensive prior experience with human plasma metabolomics and established high-throughput analytical platforms—capabilities Metabolon already possesses. These specialized, proprietary tools and expertise are not widely available in the commercial marketplace, making Metabolon uniquely positioned to perform the required services.

Although this is a sole source action, any capability statements received must provide clear and convincing evidence that competition would be advantageous to the Government. Responses will be evaluated solely to determine whether competitive procurement is appropriate. The determination to compete, or not compete, is at the sole discretion of the contracting officer. No reimbursement will be made for any costs associated with submitting capability information.

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