B--Non-Personal Services RNA Sequencing

Amendment / Modification

This amendment (0002) to solicitation 1305M326Q0132, originally dated 04/14/2026, serves to:

• Provide responses to received inquiries via Attachment 3, the RFI Tracker RNA, dated 04/22/2026.

• The "List of Attachments" section has been revised.

• The following attachments are now listed:

  • Attachment 1 - Statement of Work dated 04.09.2026
  • Attachment 2 - SCLS Wage Determination 2015-6123 Rev 2 dated 12.03.2025
  • Attachment 3 - RFI Tracker - RNA dated 04.22.2026

• All other terms and conditions remain the same.

• The effective date of this amendment is 04/23/2026.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document tracks Requests for Information (RFIs) submitted by potential bidders and the government's responses regarding the RNA Sequencing opportunity (RFQ/RFP Number: 1305M326Q0132).

• Sample Delivery: All RNA samples will be delivered at once. The total quantity is 40 samples for library preparation and sequencing.
• Sequencing Method: The required method is Illumina RNA Library Preparation with Poly-A Enrichment and NovaSeq PE150 (6M reads/library). This includes RNA extraction from tissue samples preserved in DNA/RNA shield, library preparation, and sequencing.
• Read Length: The required read length for single-end sequencing is 150bp from the poly-A tail, including adapters.
• Deliverables: Bidders must provide Fast.gz files for every sequenced sample. The technical narrative should include initial QC, and samples that passed and failed for sequencing, with no page limit.
• Technical Acceptability Factors: NOAA will consider publication history, QC procedures, turnaround time, sequencing platform capabilities, RNA extraction from tissue, and library prep capabilities.
• Timeline: The 60-day delivery timeline applies to the full set of samples collectively, starting after sample receipt. The period of performance will be 60 days after receiving the samples.

These clarifications confirm specific technical requirements, sample handling, deliverable formats, and timeline expectations, which bidders should incorporate into their proposals and pricing.

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.

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.

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).