Development of Microsatellited Loci for Hawaiian Monk Seal Research

The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC), National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, located in Honolulu, HI. is seeking a contractor who will provide all services required to identify 30 variable loci in the monk seal genome this will include as appropriate: Sequencing: DNA quality & quantity check, enrichment for two repeat motifs, 454 sequencing, and sequence filtering for microsatellites suitable for primer design; Primer design and synthesis: Primer testing and PCR optimization, test for polymorphism; deliver 30 guaranteed variable microsatellite loci. The Hawaiian Monk Seal Research Program is attempting to construct a species-wide pedigree to address questions of inter-island mating, inbreeding depression and mating systems. In order to construct the pedigree, we will perform genetic parentage analyses, which require additional, variable microsatellite loci. A power analysis indicates that 30 additional loci are required to differentiate between sibling and parental relationships with 95% confidence. Our research has previously documented extremely low genetic diversity in the Hawaiian monk seal. In fact, no species has been found to have lower genetic diversity than our seals: of 163 loci isolated from the Hawaiian monk seal's genome, only 18 were found to be variable. Though next generation sequencing technology has made the isolation of microsatellites loci more affordable and less time consuming, the challenge still remains finding an adequate number of variable loci. NOAA intends to issue a fixed price purchase order with a period of performance for twelve months. To be considered, firms must furnish detailed information concerning their capability to provide service. Such information shall include, at a minimum, name, telephone number and address of concerns for which you have furnished this service previously. Information should provide sufficient detail that demonstrates the firm's knowledge and ability to perform the requirement. This support service is being procured under the guidelines of FAR Part 12, Commercial Items Procedures as supplemented with additional information included in this notice and in accordance with the simplified acquisition procedures authorized in FAR Part 13. This is a simplified acquisition estimated value not to exceed $100,000.00. The entire solicitation is attached. No further solicitation documents will be issued. Interested parties can obtain a copy of the Request for Quotation from this site. Faxed requests can be sent to +1 (555) 000-0000, Attn: Bonnie Oshiro. Submissions received in response to this notice shall be evaluated based on demonstrated technical ability to successfully provide the required services as stated herein. Interested parties must respond within twelve (12) days after publication of this notice. Faxed responses/questions can be sent to +1 (555) 000-0000, Attn: Bonnie Oshiro or emailed at contact@example.gov. Questions of any nature must be addressed in writing as NO TELEPHONE INQUIRIES WILL BE HONORED. The NACIS code for this action is 541380 with a size standard of $12 million. The Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center requires that all contractors doing business with the Acquisition Office must be registered with the Central Contractor Registry (CCR). No award can be made unless the vendor is registered in CCR. For additional information and to register in CCR please access the following website: http://www.ccr.gov/. In order to register with the CCR and to be eligible to receive an award from this acquisition office, all offerors must have a Dun & Bradstreet Number. A Dun & Bradstreet number may be acquired free of charge by contacting Dun & Bradstreet on-line at https://www.dnb.com/product/eupdate/requestOptions.html or by phone at +1 (555) 000-0000. The government now requires all contractors submit their Certification and Representation thru the on-line Business Partner Network (BPN). The BPN is the single source for vendor data for the federal government. Contractors should go on-line at www.bpn.gov. Award will not be made to any contractor that is not registered in CCR and BPN.