B--Non-Personal Services RNA Sequencing

Amendment / Modification

This amendment (0001) to solicitation 1305M326Q0132 extends the due date for the submission of inquiries.

• Clause 1352.215-72 (Inquiries) is incorporated.

• The deadline for submitting questions concerning the solicitation has been extended.

• The new deadline for submitting inquiries is April 20, 2026, at Noon Eastern Daylight Time.

• All questions must be submitted in writing to grace.lapierre@noaa.gov and charles.kendall@noaa.gov.

• Responses to questions will be provided in writing via an amendment to the solicitation and will govern contract performance.

Statement of Work (SOW)

To support research understanding differences in how sea scallop populations respond to ocean acidification and temperature challenges by performing 3'Tag-Seq poly A library preparation and Next Generation sequencing on extracted RNA from 40 sea scallop individuals.

• Provide non-personal services including labor, equipment, materials, and quality control for 3'Tag-Seq poly A RNA library preparation and Next Generation Sequencing.

• Process four unique experiments and batches of samples (purified RNA for 40 individuals).

• Receive samples on dry ice.

• Extract RNA from tissue using RNAlater or DNA/RNA shield.

• Ascertain quantity and quality of extracted RNA.

• Process samples at concentrations between 10-100 ng/uL of purified RNA.

• Perform quality control steps on final libraries.

• Provide 3'Tag-Seq poly A RNA library preparation capabilities.

• Ascertain quantity and quality of 3' Tag-Seq libraries.

• Perform Next Generation Sequencing of prepared libraries.

• Achieve a minimum standard coverage of 3-4 Million single end reads per sample.

• Deliver FASTQ files electronically via web-based repository, direct download link, or cloud transfer.

• Contractor must have peer-reviewed publications for transcriptomics services.

• Delivery of FASTQ files within 60 days after receiving samples.

• Place of Performance: Vendor's laboratory and sequencing facility.

• Contractor must be a fully trained authorized service provider of Next Generation Sequencing and TagSeq library preparation.

• Contractor must be knowledgeable of all contract requirements and ensure work is accomplished safely and professionally.

• No special qualifications or permits required beyond standard business operations.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a solicitation for non-personal services for sequencing library preparation and delivery of Illumina sequencing data. The services include Illumina RNA library preparation with Poly-A enrichment and delivery of 1Gb Illumina NovaSeq 6000 PE150 (6M Reads/Library) data. The acquisition is set aside 100% for Small Business.

• Non-personal services for sequencing library preparation (Illumina RNA library Preparation w/Poly-A enrichment).

• Delivery of 1Gb Illumina NovaSeq 6000 PE150 (6M Reads/Library).

• Services and deliverables are detailed in Attachment 01 - Statement of Work dated 04/09/2026.

• Award Type: Firm-fixed-price.

• Product/Service Code: B526.

• The period of performance is TBD.

• Offer Due Date: 04/27/2026 at 11:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time.

• Offers must be submitted in writing to the points of contact listed in CAR 1352.215-72.

• Questions must be received no later than NOON EASTERN TIME ON APRIL 13, 2026.

• The government intends to award based on the lowest priced technically acceptable approach.

• Evaluation factors include technical narrative and price.

• This acquisition is 100% set aside for Small Business.

• NAICS Code: 541380.

• Size Standard: $23.5 Million.

• The solicitation incorporates FAR clauses by reference, including those related to System for Award Management (SAM), small business representations, and contract clauses.

• Payment will be made via the Invoice Processing Platform System (IPP).

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Wage Determination issued under the Service Contract Act. It provides the minimum wage rates and fringe benefits required for various occupations performing work on covered Federal contracts in specific geographic locations. Bidders must use this information to ensure compliance with labor laws when developing their proposals.

• Applicable Locations: South Central Connecticut County, Connecticut (Milford, Woodbridge).
• Occupational Listings: Includes a comprehensive list of job titles, corresponding codes, and minimum hourly wage rates.
• Fringe Benefits: Specifies required fringe benefits, including Health & Welfare ($5.55/hour or $222.00/week) and Health & Welfare under Executive Order 13706 ($5.09/hour or $203.60/week).
• Paid Sick Leave: Details requirements under Executive Order 13706 for paid sick leave.
• Vacation and Holidays: Outlines minimum paid vacation (2-4 weeks based on service) and holiday (12 paid holidays) provisions.
• Hazardous Pay Differential: Notes an 8% differential for work involving a high degree of hazard.
• Uniform Allowance: Specifies requirements for providing and maintaining uniforms.
• Conformance Process: Explains the process for requesting authorization of additional classifications and wage rates if an occupation is not listed.

This wage determination is critical for bidders to accurately estimate labor costs for their proposals. Failure to comply with these minimum wage and benefit requirements can lead to contract violations. Bidders must ensure their proposed wages and benefits meet or exceed those listed for all applicable occupations.