Mass Spectrometry-Based Untargeted Metabolomics Analysis - Wyndmoor, PA

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation seeks proposals for Mass Spectrometry-Based Untargeted Metabolomics Analysis. The USDA ARS ERRC requires this analysis to evaluate the effects of different food components on gut microbiome metabolism using in vitro and ex vivo methods. The results and raw data will be used to further research goals, analyze experimental designs, and support manuscripts and presentations.

• Perform Mass Spectrometry-Based Untargeted Metabolomics Analysis on filtered supernatant samples.

• Two experiments are planned: the first with 177 samples and the second with 81 samples.

• Analysis includes primary metabolism, complex lipids, and biogenic amines.

• Data must be reported with retention times, quantification masses, biochemical database identifiers, and adduct information.

• Metabolites can be reported as relative peak heights, with absolute quantitation available if desired.

• Metabolite annotations require a confidence rating of at least 4 (ideally 5 levels).

• Raw data files and methods must be shared with ERRC.

• Results must be available within 45 days after sample receipt.

• All items must have clear traceability to the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM).

• Offerors must provide a Certificate of Conformance (COC).

• Anticipated award type: Firm fixed price task order.

• Period of Performance: April 13, 2026, to April 12, 2027.

• Delivery Date: April 12, 2027.

• The government reserves the right to make multiple awards if it's in the best interest of the government.

• Offerors must submit pricing for all items to be considered responsive.

• Quotes will be evaluated based on technical approach, price, and past performance.

• Award will be made to the offeror representing the best value to the Government.

• Technical Approach: Evaluates the ability to provide a sound and compliant approach, meet schedule requirements, and detailed explanations of any requirements that cannot be accomplished. Requires at least 2 years of experience with Mass Spectrometry-Based Untargeted Metabolomics Analysis.

• Price: Will be evaluated for fairness and reasonableness.

• Past Performance: Will be evaluated as acceptable or neutral.

• Offer acceptance period: 90 calendar days from the offer due date.

• Questions due: March 23, 2026, by 12:00 PM Central Time.

• Offer due date: April 6, 2026, at 0800 CT.

• NAICS Code: 541380 (Testing Laboratories)

• Size Standard: $19 Million

• The solicitation does not explicitly state a set-aside, but various small business categories are listed in block 10.

• Shipping instructions: Items to be shipped to USDA ARS Eastern Regional Research Center (ERRC), 600 East Mermaid Lane, Wyndmoor, PA, 19038.

• Service Contract Labor Standards may apply.

• Offerors must meet a qualification requirement of certified 2 years' experience with ESRI Geospatial platform.

• Invoices must be submitted through the Invoice Processing Platform (IPP).

Amendment / Modification

This amendment modifies the original solicitation (1232SA26Q0273) with the following key changes:

• Period of Performance: The start date has been extended from April 13, 2026, to May 1, 2026. The end date has been extended from April 12, 2027, to April 30, 2027.
• Solicitation Procedure: The method has changed from "Subject to Multiple Award Fair Opportunity" to "Simplified Acquisition."
• Bids Due Date: The deadline for submitting bids has been extended from April 6, 2026, to April 15, 2026.
• Bids Due Time: The closing time for bid submissions has been extended from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
• Solicitation Method Change: The solicitation method has been changed from a GSA request for quote to a small business set-aside due to a lack of acceptable offers from GSA.

• Period of Performance

• Solicitation Procedure

• Bids Due Date and Time

• Solicitation Method (Small Business Set-Aside)

• The deadline for submitting proposals has been extended to April 15, 2026, at 5:00 PM Central Time.

• The solicitation is now a small business set-aside.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

To obtain mass spectrometry-based untargeted metabolomics results to evaluate the effect of different food components on the metabolism of the gut microbiome using in vitro and ex vivo methods.

• The contractor will receive filtered supernatant samples overnight on dry ice from ERRC.

• There will be two shipments, with the first experiment containing 177 samples and the second containing 81 samples, totaling 258 samples.

• The contractor will have 45 days from sample receipt to complete metabolomics analysis and transfer data files.

• All data and rights will be the sole property of USDA.

• Samples will be processed using three panels: primary metabolism, complex lipids, and biogenic amines.

• The analysis should cover over 1000 validated compounds and others of unknown chemical structure.

• Data reporting includes retention times, quantification masses, biochemical database identifiers, and adduct information.

• Metabolites can be reported as relative peak heights, with absolute quantitation available if desired.

• Metabolite annotations must be assigned a confidence rating (minimum level 4, ideally 5 levels).

• Raw data files and methods must be shared with ERRC.

• The period of performance is within 12 months from the contract start date.

• Samples will be shipped to the contractor's facility for analysis.

• Metabolomic results available within 45 days after samples are received.

• Specific analysis steps include: HILIC-LC-Orbitrap untargeted metabolomics acquisition, sample preparation and metabolite extraction, pooled QC monitoring and drift assessment, feature detection and annotation (Thermo Compound Discoverer + mzCloud), normalized data matrix and QC summary report, and secure data delivery.

• Government-Furnished Property: Filtered supernatants from bacterial cultures will be provided by DFFRU/ERRC scientists.