Environmental Microbial Microflora Differentiation Between Cities
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 Department of Homeland Security (DHS), specifically the CWMD ACQ DIV, has issued a Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI) titled "Environmental Microbial Microflora Differentiation Between Cities." This RFI seeks information on potential partners, technologies, and methods to enhance the understanding of microbial presence, identity, and abundance to improve biothreat detection and identification accuracy. The goal is to characterize background microbial microflora and fauna in locations served by the BioWatch program and major cities. Responses are due May 28, 2026.
Scope of Work
DHS is requesting information on:
- Identifying knowledge gaps in metagenomic sequencing data for domestic microbial microflora and fauna.
- The benefits of a metagenomic sequencing approach for differentiating microflora and fauna between US cities.
- Plans for developing 'metagenomic baselines' in select US cities, considering geographical, seasonal, diurnal/nocturnal, and local weather conditions.
- Analysis of environmental background data to determine trends and their impact on PCR- and sequencing-based biological threat detection.
- Suggestions for improving current biothreat surveillance methods.
- A Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) cost estimate and general timeline for proposed solutions.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI)
- Set-Aside: None specified (market research stage)
- Response Due: May 28, 2026
- Published: May 7, 2026
- Product/Service Code: AJ12 - General Science And Technology R&D Services; Applied Research
Evaluation
This RFI is for market research and planning purposes only. Responses will be used to gather information and do not constitute a solicitation or guarantee future procurement. The government will not pay for response expenses.
Submission Requirements
- Format: .docx, maximum 10 pages (including cover page).
- Submission: Electronically to Ariana Thompson (Ariana.Thompson@hq.dhs.gov).
- Subject Line: RFI number (70RWMD26RFI00000001) and "Environmental Microbial Microflora Differentiation Between Cities."
- Content: Include company information, GSA contracts, socioeconomic status, capabilities, relevant experience, teaming plans, proposed POP, method, timeline, and cost estimate.