Chromium XO and accessories for the USDA, ARS, Virus and Prior Research Unit in Ames, IA

Other / Unclassified

This document is a "Decision to Restrict Competition" under the Simplified Acquisition Threshold for Requisition Number 1162670. It outlines the justification for restricting competition for the procurement of an instrument and reagents for sequencing single-cell mRNA libraries from agricultural species.

This document is relevant to potential bidders as it explains why the government intends to restrict competition for this acquisition. It specifies that the requirement is for an instrument and reagents that can directly mirror work done in a higher biosecurity laboratory using the 10X Genomics Chromium X instrument. The justification states that 10X Genomics is the sole manufacturer and seller of the ChromiumXO instrument, and market research, including a Sources Sought notice, did not identify other interested sources. This indicates that the opportunity is likely to be awarded sole-source to 10X Genomics, Inc.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items, issued as a request for quotation (RFQ). The USDA, ARS, Virus and Prion Research Unit in Ames, IA requires a Chromium XO single cell partitioning instrument and associated sequencing library prep kits. This acquisition is a small business set-aside.

• Chromium XO & Accessory kit with 12-month warranty (1 EA)

• Dual Index Kit TT Set A, 96 reactions (1 EA)

• GEM-X OCM 3’ Chip Kit v4 4-plex, 2 chips (2 EA)

• GEM-X Universal 3’ Gene Expression v4 4-plex, 16 samples (2 EA)

• Delivery required within 60 days after receipt of order.

• Anticipated award type: Firm-fixed price contract.

• The government intends to make one award.

• Submission Deadline: Questions due by April 7, 2026. Offer submission deadline not explicitly stated but implied by question due date.

• Evaluation Criteria: Award will be made to the offeror representing the best value to the Government, based on the following:

  • Technical Approach: Ability to meet schedule, thorough understanding of requirements, and capability to meet all requirements. Offerors must provide minimum information demonstrating capability.
  • Price: Must be fair and reasonable. Pricing for all line items is required.
  • Past Performance: Will be evaluated as Acceptable, Neutral, or Unacceptable.

• Evaluation Method: Quotations will be evaluated for technical advantage first. The highest technically rated offeror's price will then be evaluated for fairness and reasonableness, and past performance will be assessed.

• Award Basis: Award will not necessarily be made to the lowest-priced offeror. Tradeoffs will not be conducted.

• This acquisition is set-aside for small business concerns.

• The intended source is 10X Genomics (noncompetitive action).

• Refer to Attachment 1 – Specifications and Attachment 2 - Decision to Restrict Competition under the Simplified Acquisition Threshold.

• Applicable FAR and AGAR clauses and provisions are incorporated by reference and in full text.

• Offerors must register in SAM.gov.

• Agency protests should first be directed to the Contracting Officer or USDA Ombudsman.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document details the specific instrument and reagent requirements for a single-cell mRNA sequencing capability. It is intended to ensure that the procured equipment can directly mirror work performed in a higher biosecurity laboratory, allowing for repeatable experiments in a lower biosecurity level environment.

Instrument:

• Model: 10X Genomics Chromium X or equivalent.
• Functionality: Must partition hundreds of thousands of fresh, frozen, or fixed cells, capture molecular readouts of cell activity (gene expression), and be upgradeable for chromatin accessibility, cell surface proteins, immune clonotype, antigen specificity, and CRISPR perturbation screens.
• Specifications: Must handle 8 samples in parallel, be compatible with GEM-X microfluidic chips and reaction chemistry, have a low doublet rate, high cell capture rates, and flexibility in cell size.
• Warranty: 12 months included.

Reagents/Kits:

• GEM-X OCM 3' Chip Kit v4 4-plex (2 units): Compatible with new and existing 10x Genomics Chromium instruments for transcriptomic and epigenomic research.
• GEM-X Universal 3' Gene Expression v4 4-plex (2 units): For single-cell partitioning and labeling.
• Dual Index Kit TT Set A (1 unit): For single-cell dual indexing.
• Quantity: Sufficient for four runs with up to 8 samples per run.

Delivery:

• Location: USDA, 1920 Dayton Avenue, Bldg 24, Ames, IA 50010, Warehouse Receiving Dock.
• Schedule: All items due 60 days after award.
• Point of Contact: Colin Stoy, X6793, Colin.Stoy@USDA.gov

This attachment specifies the exact hardware and consumable requirements for single-cell sequencing. Bidders must propose equipment and reagents that meet or exceed these detailed technical specifications to be considered compliant. The delivery schedule and location are also critical for proposal planning.