The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ), Fort Collins, Colorado, is seeking interested parties with the intention of negotiating a contract for the following services: The objective of the proposed project is to deliver a user-friendly, scientifically-valuable, digital diagnostic tool (morphology and molecular) for officials working on the table grape export work plans for Australia and New Zealand. Inadequate spider identification capabilities have resulted in losses and delays that have limited full realization of market potential. The development of the proposed digital diagnostic tool will assist in preventing potential errors in spider identification which limits potential export volume. The development of Lucid keys, based on morphological features for both adults and eggs of concern for these countries will enable the county entomologists associated with the Central Valley of California to quickly key out the spider and obtain correct identification allowing those grape lots without spiders of concern to be certified for export and remain in the export program to these countries for the remainder of the season. It may be found that morphology might not be valuable enough to clearly identify spider eggs; therefore, the tool will also include a DNA sequence search page to allow the identification of an egg. Description of Work Proposed work consists of designing, developing, deploying, and delivering a digital diagnostic tool for Spiders Associated with California Central Valley Exported Table Grapes which includes: 1. Create a Lucid key(s), including the following: a. scoring the Lucid key(s) (adults and eggs) for all relevant taxa relevant to, or may be relevant to, our trading partners for table grapes (Australian and New Zealand) b. obtaining and/or photographing the taxa included in the key for the key image gallery and fact sheets c. producing, when appropriate and relevant, illustrations and/or images for features and feature states d. producing fact sheets for all taxa included in key e. attaching appropriate images, illustrations, and fact sheets to the features, states, and entities in the key. 2. Obtain DNA sequence data for each taxon included in the morphological key. Develop an Html search page linked to a database to support the use of a sequence for identifying an egg. 3. Create Html resource pages (outside of the key) as required for the development of the tool's website (Lucid tool = Lucid key plus resource pages). These will include, but not be limited to a discussion about the scope of the tool, system requirements to use the key, relevant references and other resources, etc. 4. Seek and obtain peer and client reviews for the beta version of the tool. Seek support for the process from CPHST ITP. Create final version based on these reviews. Deploy final version on www.lucidcentral.org. 5. Ensure that all work conforms to CPHST ITP standards and requirements for Lucid identification tools. Work in collaboration with CPHST ITP to ensure that all steps in tool development are completed in a timely efficient manner. QUALIFICATIONS At a minimum, the individual shall meet the following qualifications: Possession of a graduate degree (M.S. and/or Ph.D.) in zoology with an emphasis on Arachnology Experience using and studying Arachnid nomenclature and taxonomy Ability to circumscribe Arachnid taxa based on morphological characters Experience undertaking field work to find and collect spider adults and eggs Ability and experience collecting and rearing spider eggs to adults Experience using Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and spreadsheet software Experience developing identification keys and/or screening aids for spiders Experience using a compound microscope and stereoscope Skill in capturing photographs and photomicrographs of spiders, including their morphological features Already networked within the Arachnid scientific community The purpose of this sources sought is to determine acquisition strategy would be interested AND capable of providing the service. Based upon the responses to this notice the Government will decide to compete full and open or set-aside the requirement for small businesses. Companies responding to this sources sought notice shall submit a statement of capabilities. Failure to submit a statement of capabilities will not prevent a company from being eligible to submit a proposal. Interested parties shall submit via email to Joanne Mann the following information
[email protected] 1. Cover page with company name, address, DUNS number, point of contact with phone number and email address 2. Evidence of expertise in Arachnology 3. Resume addressing the qualifications as shown above 4. 2-3 references This announcement does not commit the Government to award of a contract. A determination by the Government not to open the requirement to competition based upon the response to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Responses must be received within 5 days of publication of this notice.