Maize DNA Extraction and Sequencing

This solicitation, numbered 1232SA26Q0568, is a combined synopsis and request for quotation issued under FAR Part 12 for commercial items, specifically for DNA extraction and sequencing services on 384 freeze-dried maize leaf samples. The acquisition is a total small business set-aside under NAICS code 541380, with a size standard of $19,000,000 in annual revenue, and is open to all responsible small business sources. The work involves delivering high-quality genomic DNA, preparing PCR-free ApeKI-based libraries, sequencing on an Illumina NovaSeq X platform at a minimum depth of 25× per sample, and providing processed genotype data with at least 15,000 SNP markers aligned to the B73 RefGen_v5 reference genome. All deliverables must be submitted on a hard disk in VCF format, with strict adherence to quality thresholds including ≥90% DNA quality, ≥95% genotype call rates, and compliance with confidentiality and data integrity requirements. The period of performance is fixed at 15 weeks, beginning June 15, 2026, and ending September 30, 2026, with F.O.B. Destination terms applying to delivery at the specified site in Mississippi State, Mississippi. The evaluation process prioritizes technical approach as the most important factor, requiring offerors to demonstrate a sound and fully compliant method to meet all SOW requirements, with any unmet items explicitly explained. Price is evaluated only for fairness and reasonableness as a pass/fail criterion, and past performance must be rated acceptable or neutral to proceed; no tradeoffs are allowed, aligning the selection process functionally with a lowest price technically acceptable model. Offerors must complete mandatory representations including SAM.gov registration, small business status, and certifications regarding prohibited internal confidentiality agreements, inverted corporations, tax delinquencies, and security exclusions. Special contract requirements explicitly prohibit suppliers from imposing financial penalties, requiring indemnification, restricting government sourcing, automatically renewing contracts, using government data to train AI models, or engaging in user profiling. The Government retains full data rights and all modifications must be bilateral. Proposals must be submitted via Standard Form 1449 by June 5, 2026, at 5:00 PM Central Time, and must include the attached Statement of Work. Contract administration is led by Contracting Officer Jessica N. Had