Transcriptome Services of RNA samples
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 United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is soliciting quotations for Transcriptome Services of RNA samples. This Request for Quotation (RFQ) is a Total Small Business Set-Aside to support research on host-parasite interactions. Quotations are due July 6, 2026.
Scope of Work
This opportunity requires transcriptome sequencing services to characterize molecular changes in gut tissue from goats, sheep, and rodents in response to antiparasitic drug treatments. Key requirements include:
- Total RNA extraction, purification, and quality control for 110 tissue samples.
- Return of all unused total RNA samples to USDA.
- Next-generation sequencing using an Illumina NovoSeq X sequencer or equivalent, aiming for 25 to 40 million pair-end reads per sample.
- Data quality control and analysis using current algorithms.
- Deposition of data to the NCBI SRA database.
- Delivery of the final data package to USDA within 60 days of sample receipt.
- Data output in Illumina standard formats, including digital gene expression signature profiles.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Firm-fixed price purchase order (Combined Synopsis/Solicitation)
- Duration: One base year (08/25/2026 - 08/24/2027) with two one-year option periods, not to exceed three years total.
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (NAICS 541380, $19 million size standard).
- Response Due: July 6, 2026, 22:00:00Z (Eastern Time).
- Published: June 2, 2026.
- Questions Due: June 25, 2026, 5:00 PM CDT, via email to kerrie.hodges@usda.gov.
Evaluation
Award will be based on the Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) criteria. Evaluation factors include:
- Technical Approach: Assessed on the offeror's ability to meet requirements, understanding of the Statement of Work (SOW), and capability demonstration (including schedule, instrument nomenclature for "or equal" sequencing, and 60-day data delivery).
- Price: Evaluated for fairness and reasonableness.
- Past Performance: Evaluated as Acceptable, Neutral, or Unacceptable using references, CPARS, and other government sources.
Additional Notes
The government intends to make one award. Offerors must hold prices for 90 calendar days from the offer due date. This solicitation incorporates FAR and AGAR clauses by reference.