B--PLANT AND ANIMAL DNA SAMPLES

This is a notice of intent to award a sole source purchase order to The Regents of the University of California, Berkeley, CA (Vincent Coates Genomic Sequencing Laboratory) for Whole Genomic Sampling from plants and animals. The QB3 Vincent Coates Genomic Sequencing Laboratory (VC-GSL) is uniquely qualified to process the Government¿s plant and animal DNA library samples based upon the need for continuity of data. In 2014 and 2015, two animal DNA library samples were analyzed by QB3 VC-GSL. The Government is now expanding upon these projects, and additional DNA sequencing is required. Meaningful analysis of sequencing data relies crucially on the accurate calling of genetic data (individual base calls). To ensure data comparability is achieved between the old and new datasets, the same laboratory must be used. This will ensure that the datasets have maintained uniformity for scientific certainty and ensure that an identical sequencing platform (e.g. using the same chemistry, alignment procedures, and fluorescence intensity) will be used for data comparability (i.e. so that the data match to the previously collected data). Specifically we need to use the same instruments in the VC-GSL lab to: ¿ Reduce the error rate in data collection that would otherwise be introduced by using different sequencing machines from a different lab. ¿ Increase accuracy of data alignments between old and new datasets. The accuracy of the alignment has a crucial role in downstream population-genomic analyses. Using different platforms and labs for data collection within the same project would decrease accuracy because base-calling procedures vary according to sequencing platforms and how those platforms behave in each lab setting. Therefore, no other laboratory vendor would be able to exactly replicate the original testing environment, which could be detrimental to the project sample result reliability and data quality .Other interested concerns having the ability to meet the USGS requirement may submit a proposal to the Contracting Officer no later than 02/26/2016 at 1400 EST. As required by FAR 5.102(c) (1) the RFQ G16PS00224 will be made available upon request. Contact the Contracting Officer at [email protected] for a copy of the RFQ. All submissions will be considered by the agency and evaluated to determine if competitive opportunities exist. Estimated period of performance is April 2016 to March 2021. For further information, please contact the Contracting Specialist at (916) 278-9334 or [email protected]. NAICS: 541380, Laboratory testing (except medical, veterinary) services. $15.0M.