Genome Sequence Assembly and annotation of Poxviruses

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) intends to award a fixed-price contract on a sole source basis to Public Health England (PHE) to use poxvirus genome sequence data provided by the CDC PRB for whole genome assembly, bioinformatic analyses, and genome annotations. This task requires a DNA sequence annotation pipeline with several specific software programs customized for poxviruses. PHE will provide the related analysis and genome sequence annotation of approximately 40-100 poxvirus genomes, including variola virus. PHE is uniquely qualified to accomplish the necessary tasks. This lab has a demonstrated ability to successfully work with the large poxvirus genome (which is up to 10 times larger than that of other typical viruses). This ability, knowledge, and skill combined with a demonstrated proficiency for developing and working with a custom made pipeline for poxvirus genome sequence analysis is unique to this laboratory. The specific reasons for requesting a sole source contract are: 1) PHE maintains the VOCs database and other software tools for the comparison of genomes of large DNA viruses (many of the tools required for this work have already been developed by this group, 2) the tools are written specifically for use by pox virologists and focus on presentation of graphical displays of results, 3) the staff at CDC are already familiar with most of the tools, 4) PHE staff has extensive experience in the annotation of poxvirus genomes and has previously published similar work and has ongoing collaborations with PRB. No other group satisfies this set of requirements. These factors result in the ability to perform the statement of work with exceptional expertise and within the available timeframe. The North American Industry Classification System Code (NAICS) for this requirement is 541714 with a size standard of 1,000 employees. This contract action is for supplies or services for which the Government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source under the authority of FAR Part 8.405-6 and 10 U.S.C. 2304 (c) (5).. Interested persons may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement or submit proposals. This Notice of Intent is not a request for competitive quotations; however, all quotations/responses received within six (6) calendar days of the issuance of this notice will be considered by the Government. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed contract based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. Any quotation/response should be emailed to the Contract Specialist, Robin C. Meyer, at [email protected] by 9:00pm ET, Thursday, 8 September 2022.