DNA Sequencing and Affinity Testing of Blue-Plaque Clones

The contract calls for DNA sequencing of blue-plaque clones to identify and determine the peptide sequences they encode, followed by rigorous affinity testing using methods such as ELISA, SPR, and BLI to evaluate binding strength and specificity toward designated target receptors. The work is focused on validating the functional interaction between the derived peptides and their intended biological targets, ensuring high confidence in binding characteristics for downstream applications. All tasks must be performed with precision to meet scientific and technical requirements tied to receptor-ligand analysis. This is a small business set-aside subcontract under NAICS code 541350, issued by the USDA ARS AFM APD with a place of performance in Manhattan, Kansas, 66502. The solicitation was posted on July 10, 2026, with a strict response deadline of July 13, 2026, at 6:00 PM. The contract type is classified as a subcontract and is restricted to small businesses as defined by the SBA, with no set-aside exceptions permitted. The work is critical to generating validated peptide data for potential use in therapeutic or diagnostic development, and timely, high-quality deliverables are essential to meet project milestones.