R--Analyze bison tail hair samples for genetic heterozygosity

Analyze bison tail hair samples for genetic heterozygosity

THIS IS A SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE ONLY. NO FORMAL SOLICITATION IS BEING EQUESTED UNDER THIS NOTICE.

This Sources Sought Notice is for market research purposes to identify interested firms for the potential requirement detailed below. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 541380 (Testing Laboratories and Services) and the size standard is $19.0 Million. The Government will review the information requested in this announcement to determine the type of set-aside (if any) for this requirement, should it come to fruition.

NOTE 1: The full scope of work will be provided with any solicitation that may be issued. The Government is not required to issue a solicitation.

1. Introduction:

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Fort Collins Science Center, Fort Collins, CO has a requirement for laboratory analysis of Genetic Diversity, Cattle Introgression, and Parentage of the Medano bison herd in southcentral Colorado.

2. Background:

A population of approximately 2,000 bison managed by The Nature Conservancy resides in the San Luis Valley of Colorado. The Department of the Interior (DOI) oversees conservation management of 16 bison conservation bison herds and genetic diversity remains a fundamental component of effective management and successful conservation of these herds. Currently, little information exists on the genetic composition of the Medano bison herd. Our objective is to build a foundational inventory of the genetic composition of the Medano bison herd by collating genetic diversity, hybridization, and parentage information to support the management and conservation of the species.

3. Scope:

The vendor must conduct analysis of heterozygosity (Genetic Diversity), cattle introgression (hybridization), and parentage for all 692 bison tail hair samples from the Medano herd. The vendor must provide specified laboratory services related to the genetic analysis of bison tail hair samples. Bison tail hair samples will be sent in 5x3 and/or 2x3 inch manilla folders, each containing 20-30 tail hairs. Each sample will be labeled on the outside folder with sample identification number, sex, and age of each sampled bison. A bulk sample list will be sent to reference each unique sample submitted to the laboratory. The vendor must use Polymerase Chain Reaction-based methods and state-of-the-art laboratory equipment and materials for all submitted samples. The vendor must adhere to all defined tasks to maintain scientific integrity and consistency throughout the entirety of the project. The vendor shall provide all personnel, labor, supervision, equipment, materials, and supplies.

(End of Statement of Work)

All business concerns who believe they can responsibly provide this type of services must submit the following information to the Contracting Officer:

1. The firm must provide a tailored capability statement describing information in providing the services above.

2. The firm must specify that they are either:

2.1 A small business (8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, etc.) Or

2.2 Other than small business under the NAICS Code listed in the announcement.

3. The firm must provide a point of contact name and e-mail information, and the firm¿s Cage Code, and SAM.gov UEI.

NOTE 2: All information submitted in response to this announcement is voluntary ¿ the Government will not pay for information requested nor will it compensate any respondent for any cost incurred in developing information provided to the Government. Materials submitted to the Government for review will not be returned. Respondents will not be notified of the results of the evaluation. This is not a request for quotations. The Government does not intend to award a contract based on responses received under this announcement.

In order to be responsive to this Notice, a firm must provide the appropriate documentation for consideration by April 5, 2024 at 2:30 p.m. (MDT). Responses that do not comply with these procedures will not be considered.

Inquiries will only be accepted by e-mail to Lisa Williams at ldwilliams@usgs.gov