Sequencing the Transcriptomes for 420 Cotton RNA Samples

Questions and Answers:

Q1: Can you please provide clarification on what specific type of library is desired? E.g. polyA enrichment stranded mRNA library, ribodepletion stranded total RNA library, or something else?

A1: For library preparation, the polyA-enriched stranded mRNA library.

Q2: Anything additional needed?

A2: Make sure to include pricing for the quality control services. This is a Combined Synopsis/Solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotes are being requested, and a written solicitation will not be issued. Solicitation number 1232SA25Q0609 is issued as a request for quote (RFQ).

The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2022-03. The associated NAICS code is 541714 (Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology)) with a small business size standard of 1,000 Employees. USDA, ARS, CFBR 1100 Allen Toussaint BLVD New Orleans, LA 70124 Is looking for procurement of the Sequencing the Transcriptomes of 420 Cotton RNA Samples which fits with the associated Statement of Work / Specifications.

A site visit is scheduled for To Be Determined (if needed). Vendors interested in attending the site visit must notify Lynn Hults at lynn.hults@usda.gov by To Be Determined (if needed) to be added to the approved list. The Government anticipates award of a Firm Fixed Price contract. Each quote must show a breakdown giving price of each element, provide descriptive literature or information showing that the quoted services meet all parts of the Statement of Work.

Vendors responding to this announcement shall submit their quote in accordance with FAR 52.212-2. The Government anticipates award of a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible quoter whose quote conforms to the RFQ and specifications using Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) to the Government in accordance with FAR 13.106-2(b)(3) considering two major areas: technical acceptance and price. Quotes will be evaluated by performing a technical and price evaluation (LPTA) in accordance with FAR 13.106-2(b)(3). Submission of quote shall include the following:

(1) Technical Specifications and (2) Price (to include shipping). The Technical aspects will be evaluated based on the ability to meet the minimum standards in the Statement of Work (SOW). The Quotations will be evaluated started at the lowest price first. If the lowest is not acceptable then the next lowest will be evaluated. Technically Acceptable; Quote clearly meets the minimum requirements of the SOW. Technically Unacceptable; Quote does not meet the minimum requirements of the SOW. Electronic submissions are preferred. Please email all quotes to lynn.hults@usda.gov. NO LATE QUOTES WILL BE ACCEPTED.

INSPECTON AND ACCEPTANCE TERMS: Supplies will be inspected by requiring office's technical representative and accepted at destination. The Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and the Department of Agriculture Acquisition Regulation (AGAR) provisions and clauses that apply to this acquisition are in the attached document titled Service Provisions 1158145. To be eligible for an award, all contractors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM).

A contractor can contact SAM by calling 1-866-606-8220 or e-mail at www.sam.gov. NO EXCEPTIONS. A UEI (Unique Entity ID) number is required in order to register. All invoices shall be submitted and paid electronically. Quotes must be received no later than Friday August 29, 2025 by 4:00 PM Central Standard Time. Questions regarding this combined synopsis/solicitation are due no later than Tuesday August 26, 2025, by 3:00 PM CST. Answers to any questions received by that time will be posted as an amendment to this combined synopsis/solicitation.