Amplicon Sequencing Services

What they want

• Prepare sequencing libraries (PCR copying with barcode tags, normalizing, measuring and pooling DNA) from samples the USGS lab has already extracted, using 515F and 806R 16S rRNA primers, which target a bacterial gene
• Sequence the samples on an AVITI instrument (required per the question-and-answer sheets) or an Illumina MiSeq, in 2 x 150, 2 x 250 or 2 x 300 (AVITI only) paired-end format; AVITI results must reach at least 35 million read pairs on a medium flow cell or 100 million on a high flow cell
• Run quality control (QC) checks on the DNA after library preparation and before sequencing, run a positive control on every sequencing run, and tell the USGS about samples that fail
• Also provide QC and sequencing of libraries or pools the USGS prepares itself
• Deliver raw and demultiplexed (sorted by sample) data with a spreadsheet of sample IDs, barcodes, read counts, quality scores and yield, through a secure server or external hard drive; keep it available at least 60 days and archived at least 1 year
• Send a written description of all methods, reagents, kits and equipment with the data
• Provide advice when experiments are planned, answers to technical questions, a web-based laboratory information management system (LIMS) where the USGS uploads sample details, and the facility's stock primers
• Redo substandard services within 30 days at no added cost. Sample counts are unclear: up to 500 a year (Illumina) and up to 1600 a year (AVITI) in one answer set, versus a minimum of 384 and more likely 1600 to 3100 a year in the other

What they'll judge offers on

• Qualifications: list of on-site equipment with last calibration or servicing dates, list of on-site personnel with related work experience and years in the position, and quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) procedures
• Technical Performance: must be established in the required services business; narrative of no more than two pages on capabilities for the scope, technical requirements and deliverables
• Past Performance: references from two customers that bought the described services within the last five years
• Price (cost): less important than the three non-price factors

What to include when you submit

• Email the quote to yvette_sornberger@ios.doi.gov
• Include a price schedule using Attachment B (an Excel template) in MS Excel format
• Include the solicitation number, your name, address and telephone number, your Unique Entity Identifier (UEI, your SAM.gov ID) and, if applicable, your Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) indicator
• Complete SF 1449? blocks 12, 17, 23, 24 and 30, give answers to provisions that need your own representations and certifications, and include a statement of the extent of your agreement with all terms and amendments
• Acknowledge each amendment (0001, 0002 and 0003) by completing items 8 and 15 of the amendment form and returning it, by marking it on each copy of the offer, or by separate letter or electronic communication that cites the solicitation and amendment numbers
• Qualifications: list the equipment you will use on-site with dates of last calibration or servicing, and list the personnel who will do the work with related experience and years in the position; QA/QC procedure details are also asked for
• Technical Performance: a narrative of no more than two pages on your capabilities to do the work in the Performance Work Statement?
• Past Performance: references from two customers that bought the described services within the last five years, each with a point of contact, phone number and company address
• If your price schedule descriptions differ from the Government's, you may list your actual services next to the schedule items and add a summary statement on whether your services meet the AVITI or other requirements
• If you cannot invoice through the Treasury's Invoice Processing Platform (IPP), send a written waiver request to the Contracting Officer with your quote
• Hold your prices firm for 60 calendar days from the date offers are due

Current contractor

No incumbent is named. The statement of work says the lab needs a provider to continue its work, and that analyses on its multi-year projects must be done by the same contractor.

Not in the notice text

• The price schedule (Attachment B, an Excel file) is attached but not read, so the priced services and line items are not known; it is on SAM.gov.
• SAM.gov does not state a set-aside; Amendment 0002 says the solicitation was reopened for full and open competition.
• The period of performance will be updated at the time of award, so the final BPA dates are not known.
• The place where the sequencing work is done is not stated; the only location given is the USGS delivery location in Lansing, Michigan.
• The documents give the question deadline only as August 27, 2026, 5:00 PM Eastern; no new question date is given.
• The wage determination that will apply is not attached; it will be added at award.