Notice of Intent to Sole Source- Nanopore Metagenomic Sequencing and Analysis- USDA, ARS, Athens, GA

Notice of Intent: The USDA, ARS, SEA intends to award a sole source procurement to The University of Alaska Institute of Arctic Biology Genomics Core Laboratory, 2140 Koyukuk Dr. Fairbanks, AK 99775 as they are the sole source for these types of products/services pursuant to the authority of 41 U.S.C. 253(c)(l ) and FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i) Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements.

The award will be to purchase the following product/services:

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service, Houma, LA has a requirement nanopore metagenomic sequencing and analysis as part of a continued research project.

PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES: 

See attached Statement of Work for requirement details.

The University of Alaska Institute of Arctic Biology Genomics Core Laboratory has been a co-collaborator with ARS researchers. Two pilot samples were originally provided to the U. of Alaska Genomics Core Lab as a proof-of-concept and to optimize testing conditions to match our needs for the present set of samples. As all sample sets are part of the same project, it is imperative that the samples coming from ARS are processed and analyzed at the same metagenomics facility that provides identical technical and analytical parameters for every sample set to maintain continuity of data between all collaborators. Failure to utilize the U. of Alaska Genomics Core Lab would nullify the research efforts therefore they are the only known source that can provide the services for this continued research.

The Government intends to award a firm fixed price Purchase Order on or around Aug. 16, 2024.  This Notice of lntent is not considered a Request for Quotation (RFQ) nor is it a Request for Proposals (RFP). No solicitation document is available and telephone requests will not be honored. Interested persons may identify their interest and capability to respond to this requirement. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed contract based on responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. The Government will consider all responses received by 12:00 PM central time, August 15, 2024. Information received will be considered solely for determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. Inquiries will only be accepted via email to the points of contact listed:

Place of Performance:
USDA, ARS, Egg Safety and Quality Research Unit, 950 College Station Road Athens GA, 30605

Primary Point of Contact:
Shalunda S. Mix
Contract Specialist
shalunda.mix@usda.gov