MERHAB- DCMF METABARCODING AND QPCR
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), California Water Science Center (CAWSC), is soliciting quotes for cyanobacteria DNA analysis, specifically quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), digital droplet PCR (ddPCR), and metabarcoding services. This is a Total Small Business Set-Aside opportunity. Quotes are due Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at 10:00am PD.
Scope of Work
The contractor will perform comprehensive molecular analyses of cyanobacteria DNA for a study in the San Francisco Bay-Delta and surrounding areas. Key requirements include:
- DNA preparation and qPCR for Microcystis specific mcyE and cpcB genes.
- ddPCR for Microcystis specific mcyE and cpcB genes.
- Amplicon metabarcoding on 16S and 18S rRNA genes (targeting V4 for 16S, and V4/V7 for 18S).
- Archiving of DNA extracts for future analyses. Deliverables include data in XLS, CSV, or TXT formats, a summary PDF or PPT, and bioinformatic code for metabarcoding.
Contract & Timeline
- Contract Type: Firm, Fixed Price.
- Estimated Period of Performance: July 01, 2026 – September 30, 2027.
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5).
- NAICS Code: 541380, Testing Laboratories and Services (Size Standard: $19.0 million).
- Product Service Code: F999, Other Environmental Services.
- Place of Performance: Contractor's laboratory.
- Questions Due: Monday, May 25, 2026, at 10:00am PD.
- Quotes Due: Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at 10:00am PD.
Submission & Evaluation
Quotes must be submitted electronically to elizabeth_adam@ios.doi.gov. Evaluation will be based on a Tradeoff process, with Technical Expertise and Past Performance considered more important than Price. Offerors must include a technical description of services, a work plan, CVs, and references.
Additional Notes
- The laboratory leader must possess a Ph.D. in cyanobacterial ecology and expertise in molecular methods for cyanobacteria and cyanotoxin production, with experience in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.
- Offerors must provide their System for Award Management (SAM) Unique Identification Entity (UEI).
- This service is subject to Service Contract Labor Standards Wage Determinations, with the specific Wage Determination # TBD based on the contractor's location.