Cotton RNA Sequencing - New Orleans, LA
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 USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is seeking quotations for Cotton RNA Sequencing services in New Orleans, LA. This is a Combined Synopsis/Solicitation (RFQ) for commercial items, set aside for Total Small Business concerns. The acquisition aims to procure next-generation RNA sequencing for 300 cotton fiber RNA samples to understand abiotic stress effects. Quotes are due by April 28, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET.
Scope of Work
The contractor will provide next-generation RNA sequencing services for 300 cotton fiber RNA samples. This includes RNA quality assessment, library preparation (using Poly-A enrichment), library quality assessment, and sequencing. Sequencing must utilize Illumina NovaSeq X 10B (or similar) with a read length of 2 x 150 (Paired End), guaranteeing a minimum of 20 million paired-end reads per sample. All samples must be processed in a single batch for consistency and optimal data quality. The vendor must possess specialized experience in all aspects of RNA sequencing.
Contract Details
- Opportunity Type: Combined Synopsis/Solicitation (RFQ)
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (NAICS 541380, $19M size standard)
- Agency: USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS)
- Place of Performance: New Orleans, LA
- Period of Performance: Guaranteed 6-week turnaround from project start date.
- Deliverables: Raw sequence reads in fasta or fastq format for all 300 samples, provided on a hard disk.
- Delivery Date: Requested by June 30, 2026.
Submission & Evaluation
- Quotes Due: April 28, 2026, 5:00 PM ET.
- Questions Due: April 27, 2026, 12:00 PM CST.
- Submission Method: Email quotes and questions to jennifer.busbea@usda.gov in one document.
- Offer Validity: Offers must be held firm for 90 calendar days.
- Evaluation Criteria: Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA). Evaluation will assess pricing for all items, technical acceptability (rated "acceptable" or "unacceptable"), and past performance (rated "Acceptable," "Neutral," or "Unacceptable"). Only the lowest-priced offer will undergo full technical and past performance evaluation.
Key Requirements
Vendors must possess specialized experience in all aspects of RNA sequencing. Quotes must include pricing for all requirements detailed in Attachment 1 (Statement of Work). The resulting contract will incorporate various FAR and AGAR clauses, including AGAR 452.203-71 (anti-discrimination/DEI compliance) and 452.203-72 (unenforceable supplier terms).
Contact
Jennifer Busbea Email: jennifer.busbea@usda.gov Phone: 970-851-3746