Viral Bait Clone Construction

The contract involves the design and molecular cloning of viral protein bait constructs specifically for use in yeast two-hybrid systems, requiring comprehensive molecular biology expertise including codon optimization for host compatibility, precise plasmid insertion, and rigorous sequence validation to ensure accuracy and functionality. The work focuses on creating reliable protein baits that enable the study of virus-host protein interactions, which is critical for understanding pathogenic mechanisms and identifying potential therapeutic targets. All constructs must meet high standards of precision to support downstream functional assays in a controlled laboratory environment. The contract is designated as a Small Business Set Aside under NAICS code 541711 for scientific research and development, with performance to be carried out in Ithaca, New York, at the USDA ARS AFM APD facility. It was posted on August 4, 2026, and responses are due by August 28, 2026, with a clear emphasis on delivering technically robust and validated molecular reagents within the specified timeframe. The scope demands a high level of technical proficiency in molecular cloning, sequence analysis, and bioinformatics tools, with deliverables expected to support ongoing virology and host-pathogen interaction research funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.