N0018926QG013 NSMRL YCGA Genome Analysis Service

Justification for Sole Source

This document justifies a sole source procurement for specialized Genome Analysis services, specifically RNA sequencing and gene expression analysis, required by the Naval Submarine Medical Research Laboratory (NSMRL). These services are critical for investigating potential biomarkers associated with behavioral responses indicative of cognitive fatigue, aiming to inform interventions for warfighter health and performance.

• RNA-seq library preparation (Poly A, 300 Units)

• NovaSeq X Plus sequencing (25B, 2x150, 25M reads/sample, 2.67857 Units)

• Small Batch Analysis (1 Unit)

• Large Batch Analysis (3 Units)

• The incumbent contractor is Yale University, Center for Genome Analysis (YCGA).

• This is a logical follow-on procurement to Contract N0018925PG031.

• Estimated Service Completion Date: June 30, 2026.

Not applicable, as this is a sole source justification.

This procurement is restricted to Yale University due to specific research parameters, data integrity concerns, and the need for continuity with existing government-approved research data and protocols.

• The justification highlights that Yale University (YCGA) provides high-quality data, flexibility, and specificity compatible with NSMRL protocols.
• Proximity to NSMRL minimizes sample degradation risk and ensures timely delivery.
• Using any other vendor is stated to compromise and negatively skew the integrity of the collected research data.
• Yale University is identified as a large business and the incumbent vendor.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a Justification for Sole Source acquisition for simplified acquisitions, indicating that competition is precluded for specific reasons. The Naval Submarine Medical Research Laboratory (NSMRL) requires RNA sequencing and gene expression analysis services to investigate potential biomarkers associated with behavioral responses indicative of cognitive fatigue. The results are intended to inform interventions to improve warfighter health and performance during operational deployments.

Services include:

• RNA-seq library prep Poly A (300 Units)

• NovaSeq X Plus 25B 2x150 (25M reads/sample) (2.67857 Units)

• Small Batch Analysis (1 Unit)

• Large Batch Analysis (3 Units)

• Contractor: Yale University, Yale Center for Genome Analysis (YCGA)

• Contract POC: Christopher Castaldi & Uloma Onuma

• Estimated Service Completion Date: June 30, 2026

This document is a sole source justification, not a solicitation for proposals. It outlines the rationale for selecting a single source.

This is a sole source justification, not subject to set-aside requirements.

• The justification cites that Yale University (YCGA) is the only source that can furnish the requirements due to unique characteristics, compatibility with existing systems, and the need for continuity with previously established protocols and data. Using any other vendor is stated to compromise the integrity of the research data.
• This is a logical follow-on procurement to Contract N0018925PG031.
• The incumbent vendor is Yale University Center for Genome Analysis (CAGE 4B992).