The USDA ARS - WBSC intends to award a sole source Firm Fixed Purchase Order (PO) to NOVEGENE CORPORATION, INC 823 ANCHORAGE PLACE, CHULA VISTA CA 91914. This order is to attain consistency & continuity of research services: ADDITIOANAL PLANT RESEQUENCING (WGS - Library preparation, sequencing & analysis, 3G raw data/sample) for 200 SPINACH PLANT SAMPLE SEQUENCING (HiSeq PE150, Q30>80%) in support of the ongoing research at USDA ARS, CROPS IMPROVEMENT & PROTECTION RESEARCH UNIT (CIPRU), SALINAS, CA. The Firm Fixed PO will include the following: - SPINACH PLANT RESEQUENCING, 200 SAMPLES & BIOINFORMATICS ANALYSES: ?- Species Name: Spinach ?- Sample Type: Purified genomic DNA sample from tissues ?- Sample Number: 200 ?- Library Type: 350 bp insert DNA library ?- Data Output: 3G raw data/sample ?- Bioinformatics: Data Quality Control ?- Turnaround Time: 30 working days starting after we receive the library preparation confirmation from client USDA ARS, CIPRU's current research in breeding spinach to develop resistant/tolerant spinach varieties to biotic and abiotic stresses have relied on conventional breeding techniques in the past. Although this approach and other methods have yielded cultivars with improved characteristics, conventional breeding can be time-consuming and expensive; and acceleration by the utilization of molecular tools can reduce the time and cost of screening plants with desired characteristics. Although efforts have been initiated, basic molecular tools (genetic maps and markers) for spinach that can be used in molecular breeding programs are still lacking. The development of robust SNP markers and genetic maps would be a valuable resources for spinach breeding efforts for both the public and private sectors. DNA sequencing by next generation sequencing (NGS) technologies using improved double digest Restriction Site Associated DNA sequencing (ddRADseq) and Genotyping by Sequencing (GBS) can be applied to a wide array of organisms, including plants, for genome sequencing and SNP discovery. The ddRADseq and GBS technologies are rapid and cost efficient approaches for trait mapping and association, and can be used in molecular breeding, allowing plant breeders to conduct genomic selection on any germplasm or species with or without prior knowledge of the genome. Therefore, using a NGS platform will be a valuable approach for quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping and marker-assisted selection (MAS) in spinach. Novogene is a leading provider of genomic services & solutions with cutting edge NGS and bioinformatics expertise, and also, an Illumina Genome Network partner that has done work for some of the largest and most prestigious institutions around the world. Novogene's founder, Dr. Ruiqiang Li, is widely recognized as one of the world's leading experts in genomics and bioinformatics, owning 8 patents and authoring over 70 peer-reviewed publications that have been cited >12,000 times. Best known for developing the software SOAP (Short Oligonucleotide Analysis Package) for ultra-fast sequence mapping, variation detection, and de novo genome assembly, Dr. Li has focused Novogene's services on performing sequencing AND providing informatics to fully empower and enable their customers to move forward rapidly and effectively in their scientific endeavors. Novogene offers, not only, a track record of performance and reliability, but also, offers a range of NGS-based services for human, plant, animal and microbial DNA and RNA analysis at highly competitive prices. As a result, USDA ARS, CIPRU has been working with Novogene in attaining DNA sequencing and bioinformatics analysis for their ongoing spinach research. Therefore, it is highly critical & required that the continuity of their services and the data results maintain their consistency & validity. Overall, USDA strives to produce disease-resistant spinach varieties that will reduce the production costs including chemicals, machinery, fuel, and labor associated with pesticide spray; reduces workers' exposure to hazardous chemicals; reduce chemical contamination of soil & ground water, alleviating the pressure on the environment; and ultimately, it benefits consumers with reduced pesticide residues and lower prices of spinach products, which in turn increase the acceptance and consumption of this nutritious leafy vegetable, improving their health and well-being. Pursuant to the authority of 41 U.S.C. 253(c)(1) and FAR 6.302-1, Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements. The award date will be on or about January 13, 2017; and this Notice of Intent is not considered as a Request for Quotation (RFQ) nor is it a Request for Proposals (RFP). No solicitation document is available and telephone requests will not be honored. Interested persons may identify their interest and capability to respond to this requirement. A determination, by the Government, to compete this proposed PO based on responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. The Government will consider all responses received by 10:30AM PST, January 13, 2017. Information received will be considered solely for determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. Inquiries will only be accepted via email to the Primary Point of Contact:
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