Cotton DNA Sequencing Services

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items (Cotton DNA Sequencing Services) prepared in accordance with FAR Part 12. It constitutes the only solicitation; offers are being requested, and a separate written solicitation will not be issued. The acquisition is set-aside for small business concerns, with a small business size standard of 1,000 employees.

• The requirement is for Cotton DNA Sequencing Services as detailed in the attached Statement of Work (Attachment 2).

• Quotes must include a detailed description of the capability to perform the required services and relevant experience. Quotes merely offering the services will not receive further consideration.

• Anticipated Award Type: Firm-fixed price contract.

• Period of Performance: 45 days after receipt of samples.

• The government intends to make one award.

• Quotes are due no later than 10:00 am Mountain Daylight Time on Friday, April 10, 2026.

• Submission Method: Electronically via email to frank.palmer@usda.gov. No faxed or hard copy quotes are allowed.

• Final day for question submission: 10:00 am Mountain Daylight Time on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.

• Evaluation Basis: Best Value, based on a comparative evaluation of technical capabilities, relevant experience, past performance, and price. The government will award to the responsible offeror whose quote offers the greatest overall benefit.

• Total Small Business Set-Aside.

• Vendors must be active and registered in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) at the time of quote submission and award.

• "Attachment 1 - Solicitation Terms and Conditions" contains applicable clauses, instructions, and evaluation criteria.

• Payment will be made utilizing the Department of the Treasury Invoice Processing Platform (IPP.gov).

• The full text of provisions and clauses incorporated by reference may be accessed electronically at www.acquisition.gov.

Statement of Work (SOW)

To perform next-generation sequencing of 550 cotton leaf DNA samples to help understand genome structure and identify sequence variants, supporting the breeding of better cotton varieties and advancing research objectives under NP301 Plant Genetic Resources, Genomics, and Genetic Improvement.

• Sequencing of 550 DNA samples extracted from cotton leaf tissues.

• Includes DNA quality assessment, library preparation, library quality assessment, and sequencing.

• DNA from young cotton leaf tissues will be evaluated for quality via bio-analysis.

• A PCR-free preparation method is required for specialized library construction.

• Lower quality samples must be replaced to ensure only high-quality samples are sequenced.

• Sequencing must be performed using Illumina NovaSeq X 10B (300 cycles shared flowcell) or a similar platform with a read length of 2 x 150 (Paired End).

• Guaranteed sequencing output of 50 Gigabases (Gb) per sample.

• All samples must be run in a single batch for consistency and optimal data quality.

• Guaranteed turnaround time of 45 business days from receipt of DNA samples.

• Company must possess specialized experience in all aspects of DNA sequencing.

Not specified in the document.

• Specialized library construction using a PCR-free method.
• Replacement of low-quality samples.
• Single batch processing for all samples.
• Delivery of raw sequence reads in fasta or fastq format for each sample on a hard disk, shipped to the customer.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a "Register of Wage Determinations Under the Service Contract Act" issued by the U.S. Department of Labor. It provides the minimum wage rates and fringe benefits required for various occupations when performing contract work in specific geographic areas. This document is crucial for contractors to understand their labor cost obligations.

• Geographic Area: Specifies the area covered by the wage determination (e.g., Louisiana Parishes of Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines, Saint John The Baptist, St Bernard, St Charles).
• Occupational Listing: Details numerous job classifications (e.g., Accounting Clerk, Administrative Assistant, Automotive Worker, Cleaner, Electrician, Nurse, Programmer, Welder) with corresponding minimum hourly wage rates.
• Fringe Benefits: Indicates that fringe benefits are required and follow the occupational listing. Specific benefits like Health & Welfare and Paid Sick Leave (EO 13706) are detailed, including hourly rates and weekly/monthly equivalents.
• Executive Orders: References Executive Order 13706 (Paid Sick Leave) and Executive Order 13658 (minimum wage adjustments), outlining their applicability and requirements for contractors.
• Vacation and Holidays: Specifies paid vacation accrual rates based on years of service and lists eleven paid holidays.
• Conformance Process: Outlines the procedure for contractors to request authorization for additional classifications and wage rates not listed in the determination.

This document directly impacts a bidder's cost proposal. Bidders must use these minimum wage rates and fringe benefits when calculating labor costs for their proposals to ensure compliance with the Service Contract Act. Failure to adhere to these rates can lead to non-compliance and potential disqualification. It helps bidders determine the feasibility and profitability of bidding on opportunities requiring labor in the specified geographic area.