Negative and Positive Phage Library Selection

The contract requires the execution of biopanning procedures using both negative (depletion) and positive selection methods to isolate phage clones that specifically bind to bovine and porcine receptors. This process involves multiple iterative rounds of selection and amplification to progressively enrich for high-affinity phage binders while removing non-specific or off-target clones. The work is designed to enhance the specificity and efficiency of phage display libraries targeting key receptors in agricultural animal species, supporting downstream applications in veterinary research or biosensing. The solicitation is a small business set-aside under SBA guidelines with a NAICS code of 541380, indicating it falls under research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences. The contract is issued by the USDA ARS AFM APD with performance required in Manhattan, Kansas, 66502. Responses must be submitted by July 13, 2026, at 6:00 PM, following the public posting on July 10, 2026. The nature of the work as a subcontract suggests integration into a larger research initiative, and the focus on agricultural receptors aligns with USDA’s mission in animal health and biotechnology.