Synthesis of Self-Amplifying Nucleic Acid Constructs

Solicitation 1232SA26Q0044 is a total small business set-aside, firm-fixed-price requirements contract issued by the USDA Agricultural Research Service for the US National Poultry Research Center in Athens, Georgia. The project requires the synthesis of five lipid nanoparticle (LNP) encapsulated self-amplifying RNA (saRNA) constructs based on the Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) genome. The scope of work includes codon optimization for avian expression, gene synthesis, cloning, in vitro transcription using 5' methyl cytidine, and encapsulation into SM10 lipid nanoparticles. Deliverables consist of one 1 mL aliquot of 250 µg encapsulated RNA for Genes 1 through 4, and two 1 mL aliquots of 250 µg each for Gene 5. Award will be determined using the Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) methodology, evaluating technical acceptability and past performance before selecting the lowest-priced offer. All deliverables must be delivered F.O.B. Destination to the research center in Athens, Georgia, within 30 days of award. Acceptance is contingent upon meeting strict quality control standards, including RNA integrity, concentration, encapsulation efficiency, polydispersity index, particle size, zeta potential, pH, and the absence of endotoxins. Quotations must be submitted electronically to the primary point of contact, Jessica Pacheco, and require active registration in the System for Award Management.