Wheat DNA Library Sequencing

The United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Plant Science Research Unit in Raleigh, North Carolina, is soliciting firm-fixed price genomic sequencing services for wheat DNA libraries. This total small business set-aside under NAICS 541380 requires the use of the Element Bioscience AVITI platform or an equivalent to perform quality control on 22 DNA library pools and execute both paired-end and single-end high-flow-cell sequencing. The technical requirements specify a minimum yield of 1 billion read pairs for paired-end sequencing and 1 billion reads across ten high-flow cells for single-end sequencing, with all data maintaining average base read quality scores of Q40 or greater. Deliverables, including FASTQ files and quality reports, must be submitted via password-protected FTP within 21 days of sample receipt. The period of performance is established from October 5, 2026, to October 4, 2027. Award will be based on the Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) method, where the lowest-priced offer is evaluated for technical acceptability and past performance. Offerors must provide a detailed technical approach and comprehensive pricing for all line items to be considered. The contract incorporates various federal regulations, including the Buy American Act and specific certifications regarding anti-discrimination and diversity, equity, and inclusion compliance. All shipments are designated as FOB Destination, and the government maintains a 100 percent acceptable quality level for all technical tasks.