Benchtop Ultra-Long Read DNA Sequencer
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), is soliciting quotations for a Benchtop Ultra-Long Read DNA Sequencer with installation services for its facility in Pullman, WA. This acquisition is a Total Small Business Set-Aside and will result in a single firm-fixed-price contract. Quotes are due by June 8, 2026.
Scope of Work
The requirement is for one (1) new Benchtop Ultra-Long Read DNA Sequencer capable of producing reads greater than 20kb, direct RNA sequencing without cDNA synthesis, and ultra-long reads of at least 2 MB. The sequencer must accurately sequence repetitive, GC-rich regions, allow for direct identification of epigenetic modifications, and integrate with existing pipelines for genome assembly and diversity analysis. It must generate reads for large complex grass and dicot genomes (at least 5GB) at 5-10x coverage. Physical dimensions must not exceed 300 x 200 x 500 mm, and it must operate on 115 V/60 Hz (US). Installation services are required, and the delivery location is Pullman, WA.
Contract & Timeline
- Solicitation Type: Combined Synopsis/Solicitation (RFQ) No. 1232SA26Q0686
- Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business (NAICS 334516, Size Standard 1,000 employees)
- Period of Performance: June 12, 2026, to August 12, 2026
- Delivery Date: August 12, 2026 (60 days ARO)
- Questions Due: June 3, 2026, 12:00 PM Central Time
- Quotes Due: June 8, 2026, 16:00 Central Time
- Published Date: May 28, 2026
Evaluation Criteria
Award will be made to the offeror providing the Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) quotation. Technical acceptability requires meeting or exceeding all salient characteristics outlined in Attachment 2, providing sufficient descriptive literature, and ensuring availability for delivery within the specified timeframe. Offerors must provide pricing for all line items to be considered responsive. Past performance will also be evaluated. Quotes must remain firm for 90 calendar days from the due date.
Additional Notes
Offerors must list the Place of Manufacture for all items. A standard 1-year manufacturer's warranty, commencing from final on-site acceptance, is required. The quote must include shipping and installation costs. This solicitation incorporates FAR clauses and provisions by reference; full text is available electronically at www.acquisition.gov. The primary point of contact is Melissa Santos (melissa.santos@usda.gov).