USDA-ARS-NEA Qiagin Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA), Limited Concurrent License (LCL) software licenses

Other / Unclassified

This document is a "Decision to Restrict Competition under the Simplified Acquisition Threshold" for Identification Number 1166153. It outlines the USDA-NEA's requirement for Qiagen Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) software, a Limited Concurrent License (LCL), to support ongoing research activities. The software is used to analyze datasets, explore biological networks, and link diseases/phenotypes to relevant genes and compounds. The document specifies that the Ingenuity Knowledge Base, which is integral to the software's functionality, is proprietary to Qiagen and not available through other vendors. It also identifies Qiagen, LLC as the suggested source.

This document is relevant to potential bidders as it explains the government's intent to restrict competition for this acquisition. It details the specific software and its unique capabilities, justifying why only a single source (Qiagen) is considered capable of meeting the requirement. Bidders interested in this opportunity should note that it is being considered for sole-source procurement due to the proprietary nature of the required software and its associated knowledge base.

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

This Statement of Work (SOW) outlines the requirements for contractor assistance to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and its various centers. The primary goal is to support the agency's information technology resources and services.

The contractor shall provide the following:

• Acquire software licenses for 5 subscriptions.

• Provide updates and access to new software versions.

• Offer 24x7 technical support via virtual meeting, email, and/or phone.

• Base Year: One year after award (2026-2027)

• Option Year 1: 2027-2028

• Option Year 2: 2028-2029

• Option Year 3: 2029-2030

• Option Year 4: 2030-2031

• QIAGEN IPA (Ingenuity Pathway Analysis) Analysis Match Explorer

• LCL Subscriptions and Support

• These deliverables are to be submitted electronically within 10 days of award.

• The contractor must comply with all applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulations, codes, technical specifications, manufacturers guidelines, USDA, REE, and ARS mission.

• All Information and Communications Technology (ICT) products and services must comply with Section 508 Accessibility Standards (36 CFR Part 1194).

• Deliverables must be provided with an Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR) and potentially a Supplemental Accessibility Conformance Report (SAR).

• Compliance with Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6) standards is required for IT deliverables.

• Data Rights: Contractor must provide line-item pricing data on all software licenses and complete the "Software Template Line-Item Pricing" within 10 days of award or activation.

• Information Sensitivity: Contractor must adhere to the Privacy Act and ensure personnel complete USDA Privacy training.

• Section 508 Compliance: All ICT products and services must meet accessibility standards. This includes specific provisions for software development, web-based applications, telecommunications, video/multimedia, self-contained products, desktop computers, and help desk services. Remediation of non-compliant materials is the contractor's responsibility.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for the procurement of Qiagen Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA), Limited Concurrent License (LCL) software for the USDA Agriculture Research Service (ARS), Northeast Area (NEA). The government intends to make one award.

• Qiagen Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA), Limited Concurrent License (LCL) software.

• The software is required to support research needs.

• Contract Type: Firm-fixed price purchase order.

• Period of Performance: One (1) one-year base period and four (4) one-year option periods, for a total duration not to exceed five (5) years.

• Base Period: 05/08/2026 to 05/07/2027

• Option Year One: 05/12/2026 to 05/11/2027

• Option Year Two: 05/12/2027 to 05/11/2028

• Option Year Three: 05/12/2028 to 05/11/2029

• Option Year Four: 05/12/2029 to 05/11/2030

• Option Year Five: 05/12/2030 to 05/11/2031

• Delivery Date for Base Year: 05/12/2026

• Offer Due Date: 05/08/2026 at 1200 ET.

• Quotes must be submitted via email to Jacob.toft@usda.gov with the subject line "Quote for 1232SA26Q0528".

• Offerors must hold prices for 90 calendar days from the offer due date.

• Evaluation Criteria: Lowest price technically acceptable (LPTA).

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

• Technical Approach: Must demonstrate a sound and compliant approach, meeting requirements outlined in Attachment 1 - Statement of Work.

• Price: Offerors must provide pricing for all individual line items (Base Year and Option Years). Failure to do so may result in disqualification.

• The acquisition is unrestricted.

• NAICS Code: 513210

• Size Standard: $47 Million

• Attachment 1: Statement of Work

• Attachment 2: J&A Restriction of Competition (indicates intent for noncompetitive award to Qiagen, LLC).

• The USDA is a tax-exempt agency.

• The solicitation includes numerous FAR and AGAR clauses, including those related to System for Award Management (SAM), contractor employee rights, and anti-discrimination.