PCR Amplify DNA Extracts and Sequencing

The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Western Acquisition Division (WAD) intends to award, on a sole source basis, a contract to the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory with a 10-month period of performance under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1). The Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC) leads efforts to use contemporary molecular techniques in fisheries and aquaculture research projects.

Previously, a NERAP/EBFM-funded proposal titled “Trophic ecology of longfin inshore squid (Dorytheuthis pealeii) and northern shortfin squid (Illex illecebrosus) in the NW Atlantic with enhanced fish prey identification” included the PCR amplification and sequencing of 300 DNA extracts by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (Cold Spring Harbor, NY; Purchase Order # 1333MF23PNFFM0137).

This contract was successfully completed in September 2024. The NEFSC leads efforts to use contemporary molecular techniques in fisheries and aquaculture research projects.

Critical DNA sequencing is needed for a federally supported research project on squid ecology to move forward, as well as advances in molecular tools for managing squid and related fisheries The NEFSC has a requirement for the processing of samples at NEFSC using a lab technique used to make many copies of a specific piece of DNA to examine the ecology of longfin and shortfin squid.

This work builds upon an existing project, which will provide data used for fishery management of the valuable and emerging squid fishery. Given the sensitivity of the approach to identify prey with molecular techniques, a recurring presence of suspected contamination was seen in the resulting data although the direct source of this contamination could not be fully identified.

As a result of this, the Government needs a second round of sequencing for another 300 DNA extracts to apply the same methods and procedures previously used. This will help identify the direct source(s) of contamination (e.g. NEFSC laboratory), and determine which step in the sampling process (e.g. specimen sampling or DNA extraction) contributed to the contamination to proceed with the interpretation and application of the results.

Interested parties may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement or submit offers. This notice is not a request for competitive offers and no solicitation documentation is available or will be issued. However, any firm that believes it can meet this requirement may submit a response in writing. Responses must include a written narrative statement of capability, including detailed technical information demonstrating the firm's ability to meet the above requirements.

A determination by the Government not to compete this requirement based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. Responses must be sent via e-mail to:

kristen.picariello@noaa.gov no later than fifteen (15) calendar days after this notice. Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice. WAD requires that all firms doing business with this office be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM). No award can be made to a firm not registered in SAM.