Maize DNA Extraction and Sequencing

SOL #: 1232SA26Q0568Combined Synopsis/Solicitation

Overview

Buyer

Agriculture

Agricultural Research Service

USDA ARS AFM APD

BELTSVILLE, MD, 20705, United States

Place of Performance

Mississippi State, MS

NAICS

Testing Laboratories and Services (541380)

PSC

Other Professional Services (R499)

Set Aside

Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5) (SBA)

Original Source

https://sam.gov/opp/c2166115736d43578a7d6ef6d61d54b8/view

Timeline

Posted

May 1, 2026

Last Updated

May 27, 2026

Submission Deadline

Jun 5, 2026, 10:00 PM

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 soliciting quotes for Maize DNA Extraction and Sequencing Services for 384 leaf samples. This is a Total Small Business Set-Aside opportunity, issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ) under a combined synopsis/solicitation. The services are required by the ARS Corn Host Plant Resistance Research Unit in Mississippi State, MS. Quotes are due by June 5, 2026, at 5:00 PM CT.

Scope of Work

The objective is to provide DNA extraction and next-generation genotyping services to support downstream genetic, breeding, diversity, and genome-wide association studies for improved maize inbred lines. Key tasks include:

DNA Extraction: High-quality genomic DNA from freeze-dried maize leaf tissue.
Library Preparation: Genotyping libraries using an ApeKI restriction enzyme and a PCR-free method, including positive and negative controls.
Next Generation Sequencing: Utilizing an Illumina NovaSeq X 10B or similar platform (2 x 150 Paired End reads, minimum 25x sequencing depth per sample).
Data Analysis: Generate high-quality genotyping data with a minimum 95% call rate per sample, aligning to the B73 RefGen_v5 reference genome, producing at least 15,000 SNP markers.
Deliverables: User-friendly genotype data files and raw sequencing data in VCF format on a hard disk.

Performance Standards require a minimum of 90% of samples to meet DNA quality standards, a 95% call rate, and 15,000 SNP markers. All processing must be completed within 15 weeks of sample receipt.

Contract Details

Contract Type: Firm-Fixed Price Purchase Order.
Period of Performance: 15 weeks, from June 15, 2026, to September 30, 2026.
Delivery: Required by September 30, 2026; early deliveries are accepted.
Place of Performance: Mississippi State, MS, United States.
Set-Aside: Total Small Business (FAR 19.5).
NAICS Code: 541380 – Testing Laboratories and Services (Size Standard: $19,000,000).
PSC: R499 - Other Professional Services.

Submission & Evaluation

Offer Due Date: June 5, 2026, at 5:00 PM CT.
Questions Due: May 22, 2026, at 5:00 PM CDT, submitted via email to kerrie.hodges@usda.gov.
Evaluation Factors: Quotes will be evaluated based on Technical Approach, Price, and Past Performance.
- Technical Approach: Assesses the offeror's ability to meet requirements and understanding of the SOW.
- Price: Evaluated for fairness and reasonableness.
- Past Performance: Assessed as acceptable or neutral.
Award Basis: Award will be made to the offeror whose proposal is determined to be the highest technically rated, provided the proposed price is fair and reasonable, and past performance is acceptable or neutral. Trade-offs will not be conducted.
Offer Acceptance Period: Offerors must hold prices firm for 90 calendar days from the offer due date.