Genotyping Support Services

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides answers to questions submitted by potential vendors regarding the opportunity.

• Genes of Interest: The government does not have a specific list of ten genes of interest. NIA has over 150 probes, which equates to checking for 150 different genes across over 200 mouse lines. Vendors are expected to assist NIA in developing probes for new gene identification.
• Drop Box Requirement: The requirement for a "drop box for samples to be placed for pickup" is not a hard requirement.

This Q&A clarifies the scope related to genes of interest and a specific logistical requirement, which may influence vendor proposals.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items for the NIA Genotyping Outsourcing Project. The government is procuring Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) extraction and multi-gene analysis from rodent tissue samples. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; proposals are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued.

• Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) extraction and multi-gene analysis from rodent tissue samples.

• Refer to the attached Statement of Work (SOW) for additional details.

• This is an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract.

• Anticipated ordering period: April 4, 2026 through April 3, 2031.

• The acquisition is expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold.

• Proposals must be submitted electronically by 12:00 p.m., Eastern Daylight/Standard Time, on Friday, March 20, 2026.

• Reference Solicitation Number 75N95026R00006.

• Proposals must include clear and convincing evidence of the offeror's capability, price proposal (labor categories, hours, rates, breakdown of costs), Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), and business size certification.

• Offerors must have an active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM).

• Evaluation factors: (i) technical capability, (ii) price, and (iii) past performance. Technical capability and past performance are significantly more important than price.

• Associated NAICS code: 541690.

• Small business size standard: $16.5 million.

• No set-aside restrictions.

• Solicitation provisions and clauses are incorporated by reference and are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) Number 2025-06.

• Offerors must include a completed copy of FAR clause 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Items.

• The Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS) is not applicable.

• Contact for information: Scott Duernberger, Contract Specialist (301-594-0670, scott.duernberger@nih.gov) or Kelly Dempsey, Contracting Officer (kelly.dempsey@nih.gov).

Statement of Work (SOW)

To provide the National Institute of Aging (NIA) with DNA extraction and multi-gene analysis services for rodent tissue samples on an indefinite-delivery indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) basis.

• Perform DNA extraction and isolation from rodent biological samples (ear punch, tail clip, or toe clip).

• Process a minimum of 25,200 and a maximum of 37,200 samples per contract period.

• Perform Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) assay for genotyping, analyzing one to ten genes per sample.

• Re-test failed or questionable analyses at contractor's expense.

• Conduct quality assurance analysis on 1% of samples weekly, reporting concerning items immediately.

• Complete all DNA extraction, PCR assays, and assay results within 72 hours of sample receipt.

• Provide reproducible genotyping assay information and raw data upon request.

• Provide results with annotation via a password-protected, Section 508 compliant online bioinformatics database, accessible to the Government within 72 hours of sample receipt.

• The database must interface with the existing NIA Progeny Database using XML or comparable language.

• Store provided samples and remaining biological tissues for 6 months post-receipt.

• Provide sample collection and storage materials, including shipping containers and a record tracking system.

• Cover all shipping and courier costs for sending and receiving samples; contractor to pick up samples at least three times per week.

• Provide telephone support Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM - 3:30 PM Maryland local time.

• Period of Performance: April 4, 2026 through April 3, 2031.

• Place of Performance: Contractor's worksite.

• Contract Type: Indefinite-delivery indefinite-quantity (IDIQ).

• Estimated Order Value: Expected to exceed $150,000.

• Minimum Annual Quantity: 25,200 samples.

• Maximum Annual Quantity: 37,200 samples.

• Minimum 5-Year Quantity: 25,200 samples.

• Maximum 5-Year Quantity: 186,000 samples.

• Key Personnel: Genotyping Lab Manager (BS, 5+ years experience), Quality Assurance Manager (BS, 5+ years experience), Local Technical Representative (3+ years customer service experience).

• Information Systems Security: Strict requirements for patching, virus protection, encryption, training, non-disclosure agreements, reporting data loss, adherence to IT rules of behavior, vulnerability assessment, backups, auditing, and password complexity.

• Data Rights: Government has unlimited rights and ownership of all deliverables. Contractor shall not publish scientific data.

• Section 508 Compliance: Contractor must comply with accessibility standards for electronic and information technology.

• Confidentiality: Contractor must not disclose confidential information without authorization. Testing results are considered confidential.

• Non-Personal Service: Contractor employees will be controlled and supervised by contractor management.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides "Invoice and Payment Provisions" applicable to Purchase Orders, Task or Delivery Orders, and Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) Calls. It outlines the requirements for submitting proper invoices and details the government's payment procedures, including the transition to the Invoice Processing Platform (IPP).

• Invoice Requirements: Specifies 12 mandatory elements for a proper invoice, including vendor/contractor information, remit-to address, invoice date, unique invoice number, NBS document numbers, Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), Federal Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) or Vendor Identification Number (VIN), indication of three-way match, description of supplies/services, freight/delivery charges, and quantity/unit details.
• Submission: Invoices are to be submitted electronically via the Department of Treasury's Invoice Processing Platform (IPP) at https://www.ipp.gov, with a copy to the approving official. Shipping costs require authorization and itemization, with receipts for costs over $100.
• Payment Due Date: Generally, payment is due 30 days after receipt of a proper invoice or 30 days after Government acceptance of supplies/services, whichever is later. Specific categories (e.g., meat products, dairy) may have different due dates per the Prompt Payment Act.
• Interest Penalties: Outlines conditions under which interest penalties may be paid for late payments.
• Accelerated Payments to Small Business Subcontractors: Requires contractors to make accelerated payments to small business subcontractors upon receipt of accelerated payments from the Government.

This document is crucial for understanding how and when to submit invoices for payment. Bidders must ensure their invoices contain all specified elements to avoid delays. Familiarity with the IPP system and payment timelines is essential for financial management related to this contract.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment 2 - Commercial Contracts Terms and Conditions," contains the standard FAR clauses that will be incorporated into the contract. It outlines the terms and conditions governing the agreement between the Government and the contractor.

This document details various FAR clauses, including but not limited to:

• FAR Clause 52.212-4 (Contract Terms and Conditions-Commercial Products and Commercial Services): Covers inspection/acceptance, assignment, changes, disputes, definitions, excusable delays, invoicing, patent indemnity, payment terms (including prompt payment, EFT, discounts, and overpayments), risk of loss, taxes, termination for convenience and cause, title, warranty, limitation of liability, other compliances, compliance with laws unique to government contracts, and order of precedence.
• FAR Clause 52.242-15 (Stop-Work Order): Defines the government's authority to issue stop-work orders and the contractor's rights and responsibilities in such situations.
• FAR Clause 52.212-5 (Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders-Commercial Products and Commercial Services): Lists numerous other FAR clauses that are incorporated by reference to implement specific statutes or executive orders. This includes clauses related to ethics, whistleblower protections, cybersecurity, small business concerns, labor standards, environmental considerations, and payment terms.

This document is crucial for bidders as it defines the contractual framework and legal obligations. Understanding these terms and conditions is essential for accurately assessing the risks and requirements of the opportunity, preparing a compliant proposal, and managing the contract if awarded. Key areas for bidders to review include payment terms, termination clauses, dispute resolution, and any specific compliance requirements mandated by the incorporated FAR clauses.

Sources Sought Notice

This notice is issued by the National Institute on Aging (NIA) to obtain information regarding the availability and capability of qualified small business sources for genotyping support services. The NIA historically performed this work internally but will no longer do so, requiring contractor support. This notice is for market research purposes only and is NOT a solicitation for proposals or quotations.

• DNA extraction and multi-gene analysis for rodent tissue samples (ear punch, tail clip, or toe clip).

• Processing a minimum of 25,200 samples and a maximum of 37,200 samples per contract period.

• Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) assay for genotyping (one to ten genes per sample).

• Re-testing of failed analyses at contractor's expense.

• Quality assurance analysis on 1% of samples weekly.

• All DNA extraction, PCR assays, and assay results completed within 72 hours of contractor receipt of samples.

• Provision of reproducible genotyping assay information and raw data upon request.

• Provision of results with annotation.

• Hosting of an online, password-protected, Section 508 compliant bioinformatics database for results, which must interface with the NIA Progeny Database.

• Storage of provided samples and remaining biological tissues for 6 months post-receipt.

• Provision of sample collection and storage material supplies.

• Provision of all shipping and courier costs for sample transport (Government to Contractor and Contractor to Government via overnight express).

• Anticipated period of performance: One (1) 12-month base year with four (4) 12-month option years.

• Contract type: Indefinite-Delivery Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ).

• Interested companies should submit a capability statement addressing their ability to meet project requirements.

• Capability statements must include: total employees, professional qualifications, GSA Schedule contracts/GWACs (if applicable), and other relevant information.

• Include Company Name, Unique Entity ID, Physical Address, and Point of Contact information.

• Identify business type (small business, HUBZone, etc.) and NAICS code/size standard.

• No proprietary, classified, confidential, or sensitive information should be included.

• Responses must be in Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format, 11- or 12-point font, 8-1/2" x 11" paper, 1" margins, single or double spacing.

• Outline format, limited to ten (10) pages (excluding cover page, executive summary, references).

• Submit electronically to Scott Duernberger at scott.duernberger@nih.gov.

• Primarily interested in small business sources.

• Responses will assist the Government in determining acquisition method and potential set-asides.

• Organizations not considered small businesses under the applicable NAICS code should not respond.

• Response must be received on or before February 16, 2026, 9:00am Eastern Time.

• This notice is for research and information purposes only. It is not a commitment to issue a solicitation or award a contract.

• No award will be made as a result of this notice.

• The Government is not responsible for any costs incurred by respondents.

• Responses will not be considered adequate responses to a future solicitation.