eDNA Sequencing Services

Amendment 1: This amendment is issued to extend the solicitation closing date.

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The Engineer Research and Development Center – Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (ERDC-CERL) is leading several projects that utilize molecular tools, specifically environmental DNA (eDNA), to survey for endangered, at-risk and invasive species and whole community biodiversity on military and related lands. ERDC-CERL seeks support for DNA sequencing of DNA metabarcoding samples, to include quality control and data interpretation. ERDC-CERL will be responsible for sample collection and preparation of sequence libraries (adaptors ligated and indexed). The Contractor shall provide consultation for determining optimal sequencing strategy/platform and quality controls for prepared libraries prior to sequencing, perform library quality control, determine optimized library loading concentration, DNA sequencing, and demultiplexing of sequence libraries, and assist with data interpretation and troubleshooting.

The objective of this effort is to derive DNA sequence data for a suite of environmental DNA projects that survey for endangered, at-risk and invasive species and whole community biodiversity on military and related lands. The Contractor shall provide consultation for determining optimal sequencing strategy/platform and quality controls for prepared libraries prior to sequencing, perform library quality control, DNA sequencing, and demultiplexing of sequence libraries, and assist with data interpretation and troubleshooting. The resulting data will be incorporated into reporting to installation and DoD sponsors regarding distribution of focal species on military installations.

Please reference the attached written RFQ for full detail of the requirement as well as all applicable provisions and clauses.

The quote shall include the information required in FAR clause 52.212-1(b). In addition, quoters shall provide sufficient information for the Government to determine its level of confidence in the ability of the Quoter to satisfy the requirements of the RFQ based on an assessment of relevant DNA Sequencing and Data Interpretation for Environmental DNA experience. This may include

- Annual metabarcoding throughput of the quoters business

- Experience working with eDNA samples, including the number of clients, how long the operation has been in business, total runs per year, and targeted loci used in the past

- Full list of available sequencing and quality control platforms and expected capabilities in the future

- Full list of contamination precautions and controls used throughout the sequencing process to ensure no contamination.

- any other related technical data

Please provide responses to this notice no later than the date and time listed above to:

CERL-CT-Quotes@usace.army.mil

Telephone responses will not be accepted.

* Note: in order to be eligible for award of a Government contract, vendors must be actively registered in the System for Award Management (SAM), have no active exclusions, and a complete representations and certifications. This system combines data that was formerly contained in the Central Contractors Registration (CCR), Online Representation and Certifications (ORCA), and the Excluded Parties List System (EPLS). For more information, review the SAM website at https://www.sam.gov.