Sequencing Genomes of Cattle

The USDA, Agricultural Research Service (ARS), U.S. Meat Animal Research Center (USMARC) has a project that requires sequencing genomes of cattle. This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in FAR subpart 12.6 (current as of FAC 2001-24), as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation quotations are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. The NAICS is 541380. The Solicitation number AG6538S12AA70 is issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ). The description of items and clauses incorporated in this synopsis/solicitation are applicable to this procurement and will be incorporated into any resultant purchase order. Contract Line Item Numbers (CLINs): CLIN 001 - The project requires sequencing of 280 pooled, indexed TrueSeq or Nextera libraries prepared at USMARC. Libraries with information as to the sample number, index, and nanomolar concentration estimated from fluorescence assays will be provided. The pools should be sequenced with read lengths of 200 bases or more (2x100 paired end reads are acceptable). Sequence output should be a minimum of 1 Terabase of total sequence with acceptable (>Q30) quality (no specific requirement for yield per library). The sequence output should be divided into files of fastq format, one file for each library with recognizable file names to be related to the input libraries. The sequence data will be put on disk and delivered to USMARC. Listed below is the desired timeline for the project: 1. The first set of libraries will be available to the contractor one week after the award of the contract. 2. The data will be returned to USMARC a maximum of six weeks following the delivery of the libraries to the contractor. 3. All libraries will be delivered to the contractor by October 15, 2012. 4. The conclusion of the contract will be by November 30, 2012. CCR and ORCA: Vendor must be registered in the Central Contractor Register (CCR) and Online Representation and Certifications (ORCA) prior to the award of the contract. You may register by going to www.ccr.gov. You will need to your Tax ID, Duns Number, Bradstreet number and banking information. PAYMENT: Any award made under this solicitation is subject to 31 CFR Part 208 which requires all payments made by the government to be made by electronic funds transfer. Please note on your proposal if you will accept a government purchase (VISA) card. This is a Buy Best Value acquisition. The Government will award a Purchase Order resulting from this Request for Quotes to the responsible offeror whose quote is conforming to the solicitation and represents the most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered. The following factors shall be used to evaluate offers: The criteria are past performance, technical solution, timeliness, and price. The first three criteria combined are of more importance than price. The Government will evaluate quotes for award purposes, considering the evaluation factors above, and will award to that offeror whose proposal represents the best value to the Government. All sources wishing to provide a quotation must respond by 4:30 PM, July 11, 2012. Quotations should be addressed to USDA Agricultural Research Service, State Spur 18D Bldg 1, Clay Center, NE 68933. POC Donita Furman, Purchasing Agent, +1 (555) 000-0000. Faxed or emailed responses are acceptable. All responses will be evaluated to determine the equipment's capability to meet the above requirements. The Government shall award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsive/responsible offeror whose offer conforming to the solicitation will be most advantageous to the Government per FAR 13.106-2.