Virus Induced Gene Silencing (VIGS)

This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals and no solicitation document exists for this requirement. However, parties interested in responding to this notice shall submit technical data, including price, sufficient to determine capability in providing the same or similar items. All capability statements received by the closing date of the publication of this synopsis will be considered by the Government.

A determination by the Government not to compete based on 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. This acquisition is being conducted under FAR 13.106-1(b). There are no set-aside restrictions for this requirement.

The intended procurement will be classified under North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) 541714 Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology) with a Small Business Size Standard of 1,000 employees.

The US Army Corps of Engineers, Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) intends to negotiate on a sole source basis (IAW FAR 13.106-1(b)) with Iowa State University of Science and Technology, 515 Morris Road, Ames, Iowa 50011-2103 for a service contract for Demonstration and Optimization of Lethal Impacts of Gene Silencing Agents (GSAs) Derived from Virus Induced Gene Silencing (VIGS) Constructs on Invasive Phragmites australis.

The US Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC), Environmental Laboratory (EL), Environmental Processes Branch (EPP) has active research programs focusing on the development of novel biotechnologies for invasive species control. One of the approaches for invasive species control employed by EPP researchers is a gene silencing-based strategy to knock down essential genes in target species.

Phragmites australis, a common reed, is invasive and the Mississippi River Delta is the home to the largest continuous growth of the plant. Due to its ability to easily invade an area once it is introduced, control mechanisms are needed to maintain the natural flora of a region. Rapid screening of these candidate gene silencing agents (GSAs) requires the development and optimization of recombinant plant virus vectors.

The overall objective is to develop, demonstrate and optimize VIGS vectors to rapidly assess candidate genes for lethal effects in Phragmites when they are silenced. This research builds upon data, products and methodologies generated, with Iowa State University of Science and Technology, Capability statements shall be submitted only by e-mail as a Microsoft Office Word, Microsoft Office Excel, or Adobe PDF attachment to crystal.e.north@usace.army.mil and sonia.j.boyd@usace.army.mil.

Statements are due by 3:00PM Central Standard Time April 9, 2024. No phone calls will be accepted. Point of Contact Contract Specialist, Crystal North, Email crystal.e.north@usace.army.mil Contracting Officer, Sonia Boyd, Email sonia.j.boyd@usace.army.mil