CRISPR-Based Genetic Test Kits for Seafood Species Identification

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a Sources Sought notice issued by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Western Acquisition Division (WAD), on behalf of the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Office of Law Enforcement (OLE). The purpose is to conduct market research to identify potential sources capable of developing and deploying rapid, genetic-based test kits for accurate identification of imported seafood species. This effort aims to combat seafood mislabeling and fraud, protect domestic producers, and enhance enforcement capacity at U.S. ports of entry.

• Develop and validate a reliable, fast, and accurate assay for white shrimp (Litopaneaeus vannamei) and various tuna species.

• The test kits should utilize CRISPR-based genetic identification technology.

• Results should be visually interpretable via a colorimetric reaction test strip.

• Test results should be available within approximately 30 minutes.

• The technology should enable point-of-need verification without complex laboratory equipment or refrigeration.

• Future option years may address additional species.

• This is a Sources Sought notice only; it is not a request for technical or cost proposals.

• The government does not intend to award a contract based on this notice.

• No reimbursement for costs incurred by interested parties will be provided.

• Interested vendors must submit a Capability Statement demonstrating their capabilities.

• Capability Statements are limited to five (5) pages; standard brochures are not sufficient.

• The Capability Statement must include:

  • Company Overview (Name, Address, Description, Socioeconomic status, UEI/CAGE)
  • Specific and direct examples demonstrating capabilities related to the goals and tasks outlined in the draft Statement of Need (SON).

• Not specified in this notice.

• Questions regarding this request or the SON must be submitted in writing no later than Friday, April 10, 2026, by Noon Eastern Time.

• Capability Statements must be submitted no later than Wednesday, April 15, 2026, by Noon Eastern Time.

• Submissions and questions should be sent via email to jenna.tolman@noaa.gov and kristen.picariello@noaa.gov.

• Acceptable submission formats are Adobe or Microsoft Office files only. Electronic submissions via Zip Files, cloud storage, Google Docs, web-based drop boxes, etc., are not acceptable.

• Information received will be used to make an informed decision regarding a potential procurement and acquisition strategy.

• Responses are not offers and cannot form a binding contract.

Statement of Need (SON)

To research, develop, and field deploy rapid, genetic-based test kits to accurately identify the species of imported seafood. This aims to combat seafood mislabeling and substitution, which pose economic and public health threats, and to enhance the enforcement capacity of the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Office of Law Enforcement (OLE) at U.S. ports.

• Develop and validate a reliable, fast, accurate assay for white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) and specific tuna species (Atlantic bluefin, bigeye, yellowfin, and Pacific bluefin or albacore).

• Utilize CRISPR-based genetic identification technology for DNA sequence detection.

• Create colorimetric reaction test strips that provide visually interpretable results within approximately 30 minutes without complex laboratory equipment.

• Develop a field kit for OLE Officers, including test strips and associated equipment.

• An optional period would address development for an additional species.

• Shrimp Research & Development: Finalize sequence analysis and develop a CRISPR-based assay with laminar flow detection.

• Tuna Species Research & Development: Develop a CRISPR-based assay with laminar flow detection for four tuna species.

• Shrimp and Tuna Development to Production: Field optimization, conversion to production, and initial production of 1,000 test strips and 12 field kits.

• Optional Species Development: Sequence analysis, assay development, and production for additional species.

• Completed sequence analysis, assay development, and laboratory validation results.

• Field tests for independent laboratory testing and validation.

• Assistance and/or participation in piloting the developed technology during planned port operations.

• Shrimp and Tuna Test Kits: September 18, 2026 - September 17, 2028

• Additional Species: September 18, 2028 - September 17, 2030

• Additional Test Strips: September 18, 2028 - September 17, 2030

• Work will be conducted at the vendor's facility.

• The Government will not furnish any resources.

• Contractors may be required to sign a Non-disclosure Agreement (NDA) due to potential access to Privacy Information.