Solicitation Number:

801-1907-101-545

Notice Type:

Special Notice

Synopsis:

The USDA, Agricultural Research
Service (ARS), intends to negotiate solely with the University of Oklahoma in
Norman, Oklahoma to provide a full genome sequencing analysis of Metarhizium ansiopliae, ARSEF 2575 in
order to expand our ability to manipulate the fungus for more effective
biological control. It is clear from
this recent progress that while M.
anisopliae ESTs have revealed important surprises, the design of studies
will be vastly improved when informed by the full genome sequence of this
unique experimental system. In particular, it will facilitate functional
genomic research to enhance stress tolerance, virulence, efficacy and wider use
of fungi in biocontrol. For these reasons,
the USDA, ARS, Biological Integrated Pest Management Research Unit requires a
Contractor to provide 454 GS-FLX massively parallel pyrosequencing on genomic DNA from Metarhizium
anisopliae ARSEF 2575 for full genome sequencing. Sequencing will generate 16X coverage to
allow for full genome assembly. The
contractor will provide an average minimum length read of 250 phred20 bases per
read and a minimum of 70 million bases per full plate run, with a total of 6
full plate runs. Requirements include
the delivery of all raw data in Fasta format as well as the data clustered via
Newbler assembler in FastA format with blast homology hits for both raw
sequence and assembled data. Delivery is
required 90 days after receipt purchase order award and vendor receives
required DNA from the filamentous
fungus Metarhizium anisopliae supplied by USDA, Biological Integrated
Pest Management Research Unit. A) The
Government shall provide: 1. Prepare 20 ug of genomic DNA with an average length of 20,000 bp. 2. DNA samples in acqueous solution at 0.5 mg/ml concentration. 3. Shipment of DNA
samples will be packed on dry ice via Federal Express overnight delivery within
30 days after contact award. B. The Contractor shall provide: 1. 454 massively parallel pyrosequencing for 16X
coverage of full genome analysis of Metarhizium
anisopliae 2575. 2. DNA
sample to be prepared for 454 sequencing analysis. 3. Guarantee that sequence read with an
average minimum read length of 250 phred20 bases per read and a total of at
least 70 million bases per full plate run of 454 GS-FLX sequence. 4. Total raw sequence data in Fasta format along with the quality scores,
and the data clustered with the Newbler assembler in FastA format with quality
scores, as well as the top 5 blast homology hits for the raw sequences and/or
assembled data in FastA format within 90 days after receipt of the DNA samples. 5. Conduct 6 full plate sequencing runs for a total of 16x coverage of the
genome. Sole Source Justification: The University of
Oklahoma has: 1) A proven track record of sequencing fungal genomes; guaranteed
minimum of 70 million bases per full plate run; Guaranteed minimum average read
length of 250 bases/sequence; All raw data provide to ARS; Newbler assembled
data provided; Blast analysis conduction on each sequence; maximum of six (6)
full plate runs for 16x coverage and sequencing completed within (90) days of
receipt of DNA sample; if problems
arise, the Contractor will trouble shoot issues with the USDA in order to
resolve issues and provide the sequencing data as specified. The NAICS is 541711 with a size
standard of 500 employees. This procurement is unrestricted. This
is not a request for proposal. No
solicitation is available. Companies
with the demonstrated capability and financial capacity to provide this service
must submit a written substantive statement outlining the Company’s and service
capabilities, including the consumables (and price lists). This announcement and any other documents
related to this procurement will be available electronically at the Internet
site http://www.fbo.gov. The Contractor is responsible for
monitoring the FBO website for information relating to this requirement. Offerors will be responsible for downloading
their own copy of these documents. Contractors are required to acknowledge receipt of all Amendments (if
any). If no affirmative responses are
received with 5 calendar days of publication of this notice to determine whether
a qualified source is more advantageous to the Government, an order will be
placed with University of Oklahoma under the authority of FAR 6.302.

Contracting Office Address:

600 East Mermaid Lane
Wyndmoor, Pennsylvania 19038

Place of Performance:

USDA, ARS, NAA, Robert W. Holley Center for Agriculture and Health,
Tower Road
Ithaca, New York 14853-2703
United States

Primary Point of Contact.: