Opportunity
SAM #1174046
Sole Source Genome Sequencing Services for USDA ARS NEA Grape Genetics Research Unit
Buyer
USFS CCSA East 6
Posted
September 04, 2026
Respond By
September 09, 2026
Identifier
1174046
NAICS
541715, 541714
This notice announces the USDA ARS NEA Grape Genetics Research Unit's intent to award a sole-source contract for grape genome sequencing services. - Sole-source contract to University of Delaware (Delaware Biotechnology Institute) - Services required: - High molecular weight (HMW) DNA extraction with quality control - PacBio HiFi DNA library preparation with quality control and size selection - PacBio SMRT sequencing using Sequel II platform - Delivery of approximately 20 Gb HiFi data - Contract structure: - 12-month base period - Two 12-month option periods (total potential duration: 36 months) - University of Delaware selected for unique workflows and legacy protocol compatibility - Estimated contract value: $120,219.00; ceiling: $140,255.50 - PacBio mentioned as sequencing platform OEM - No other vendors or OEMs identified - Commercial opportunity is limited due to sole-source justification
Description
NOTICE OF INTENT TO SOLE SOURCE<!--TgQPHd|||[]--><!--TgQPHd|||[]-->
Requisition Number:<!--TgQPHd|||[]--> 1174046 Proposed Contractor:<!--TgQPHd|||[]--> University of Delaware (Delaware Biotechnology Institute) UEI:<!--TgQPHd|||[]--> T72NHKM259N3<!--TgQPHd|||[]-->
1. Description of Requirement:<!--TgQPHd|||[]--> The USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Northeast Area (NEA) Grape Genetics Research Unit, has a requirement for specialized commercial genome sequencing services for unique accessions of wine and table grapes housed within the federal grape repository. These services encompass high molecular weight (HMW) DNA extraction with quality control (QC), PacBio HiFi DNA library preparation with QC and size selection, and PacBio SMRT sequencing utilizing a Sequel II platform (~20 Gb HiFi data delivery). The requirement covers a 12-month base period and two (2) subsequent 12-month option periods, with an total estimated value of $120,219.00 (and an evaluated total ceiling of $140,255.50 inclusive of FAR 52.217-8).<!--TgQPHd|||[]-->
2. Sole Source Rationale:<!--TgQPHd|||[]--> The Government intends to solicit and award a standalone, Firm-Fixed-Price contract on a sole-source basis to the University of Delaware under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i) and FAR 12.102(a). Grapevine samples possess high levels of secondary metabolites, making them highly recalcitrant and exceptionally difficult to extract clean, intact large molecular weight DNA from without severe degradation. The Delaware Biotechnology Institute has uniquely optimized and established specialized workflows designed specifically for these challenging grapevine species. Furthermore, the USDA possesses extensive legacy data generated exclusively by this laboratory using these identical protocols. Utilizing an alternative commercial platform or laboratory would introduce critical experimental variables, invalidate comparative data integrity, and compromise ongoing federal research initiatives.<!--TgQPHd|||[]-->
3. Response Instructions:<!--TgQPHd|||[]--> This is a notice of intent and not a request for competitive proposals. However, responsible sources may submit a capability statement, proposal, or quotation, which shall be considered by the agency. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed contract based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement.<!--TgQPHd|||[]-->
All capability statements, technical profiles, or inquiries must be submitted electronically via email to the primary Contracting Point of Contact no later than the response deadline indicated on this notice.<!--TgQPHd|||[]-->
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