NSMRL RNA Sequencing & Gene Expression Analysis Services

The U.S. Navy, through the Fleet Logistics Center Norfolk’s Groton Office, intends to award a sole source, firm fixed-price purchase order to Yale University’s Yale Center for Genome Analysis for RNA sequencing and gene expression analysis services under simplified acquisition procedures authorized by FAR Part 12. The procurement, identified by solicitation number N0018926QW198, is justified solely on the grounds that Yale’s unique capabilities, proprietary protocols, and existing collaboration history with the Naval Submarine Medical Research Laboratory ensure data integrity, continuity with prior research, and minimization of sample degradation due to geographic proximity. The work, which includes RNA-Seq library preparation using poly-A selection, sequencing on the NovaSeq X Plus platform at 25 million reads per sample, and both small and large batch gene expression analyses with differential gene expression and pathway analysis, is essential for identifying biomarkers tied to cognitive fatigue in warfighters. The contract period spans from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, with an anticipated award date of June 26, 2026, and the total value is constrained by the Simplified Acquisition Threshold of $250,000, though actual pricing details are not disclosed. The acquisition is non-competitive and does not trigger standard evaluation factors such as lowest price technically acceptable or best value trade-off, as competition is restricted under FAR 12.102(a) due to the absence of other vendors capable of meeting the government’s specific technical and scientific needs. Challenges to the sole source determination must be submitted in writing to the designated point of contact by June 18, 2026, and must demonstrate the existence of an equivalent service provider. Delivery and performance occur at Yale’s facility in New Haven, Connecticut, with final acceptance by the government at NSMRL in Groton, Connecticut, based on adherence to internal NSMRL protocols rather than external standards. No packaging, preservation, or labeling requirements under MIL-STDs are specified, though sample integrity during transport is emphasized. The contractor is identified as a large business with no socioeconomic certifications, and no payment office details, accounting codes, invoicing systems, or designated contract administration personnel are provided in the documentation.