eDNA Metabarcoding and Primer Selection Services

The contract seeks services to conduct environmental DNA metabarcoding using species-specific primers to detect aquatic organisms, with a focus on identifying rare and elusive species such as lamprey. The work involves selecting, optimizing, and validating primer sets to ensure high specificity and sensitivity in detecting target species from environmental water samples. The goal is to enhance the accuracy and reliability of species detection in aquatic ecosystems, particularly in regions where traditional survey methods may be inadequate or disruptive. The services will require careful laboratory protocols, rigorous quality control, and data analysis to produce defensible results suitable for ecological monitoring and conservation efforts. The contract is structured as a subcontract under the Alaska State Office of the Department of the Interior, with a NAICS code of 541380 indicating specialized scientific research and development services. The solicitation was posted on June 30, 2026, and responses are due by July 8, 2026, at 1:00 AM. Place of performance details are not specified, suggesting flexibility in laboratory location, but the work must deliver results aligned with the agency's conservation objectives in Alaska’s aquatic environments. There is no set-aside designation, and no point of contact has been provided in the public posting, indicating that interested parties should refer to the official SAM.gov link for further instructions and submission requirements.