Degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) multi-omics services

Page 2 of 2 AMENDMENT FOR SOLICITATION 36C24E26Q0072 This solicitation is being amended to provide Question and Answers to all offerers/bidders.

QUESTION and ANSWERS Q1: What sequencing depth (Gb) or number of reads per sample (M) is required for the RNA-seq component? If there is no specific target, may we recommend one?

A1: 6Gb, 150 million reads Q2: What volume of plasma and whole blood will be provided per sample type? Additionally, will 40 separate samples be aliquoted for each project (i.e., dedicated plasma tubes for proteomics and for metabolomics), or will the same plasma sample be sent for both and need to be split at the facility?

A2: Blood will be collected in specialized tubes (one tube is specialized for proteomics and one for metabolomics) they cannot be collected as one, and then later separated. Each subject will be given three tubes each: PAXgene blood tube will be mailed intact (zero processing), metabolomics blood sample will be centrifuged to collect plasma and placed into its dedicated Eppendorf tube and metabolomics blood sample will be centrifuged to collect plasma and placed into its dedicated Eppendorf tube. There will be 40 subjects for a total of 120 tubes (40 intact blood tubes for RNA, 40 metabolomics plasma samples, and 40 proteomics samples).

Q3: The pricing table (Item 0002) specifies DIA-based LC-MS/MS proteomics, but the Scope/Task 2 narrative specifies "Olink proteomics analysis." These are different technologies (untargeted mass spec vs. targeted antibody-based panels) requiring different vendor capabilities and pricing. Please confirm which platform is required DIA-MS, Olink, or both. If Olink is required, please specify the panel (e.g., Olink Explore HT, Target 96 Inflammation, etc.).

A3: Thank you for pointing out the discrepancy. DIA-base proteomics is the platform required. Extension for offers is not granted. Submission deadline remains as no later than Friday, July 31, 2026, at 11:59AM Eastern Time.

IMPORTANT: complete all instructions as noted in Instructions to Offeror within original solicitation. Additionally, please complete Blocks 15A 15C AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION document. Incomplete submissions will be considered non-responsive. All offeror quotes for this solicitation must be received electronically through email no later than Friday, July 31, 2026, at 11:59AM Eastern Time. Offers shall be sent by email to Millicent Covert at millicent.covert@va.gov. Reference solicitation number 36C24E26Q0072 within subject line of the email. Any quotes received after the prescribed date/time shall be considered non-responsive and will not be considered for award.