Inactive

Sources Sought Notice Batch SIFR Sources Sought #135287-SS This is a Sources Sought notice Only. This is NOT a solicitation for proposals, proposal abstracts, or quotations. This Sources Sought is iss... Sources Sought Notice Batch SIFR Sources Sought #135287-SS This is a Sources Sought notice Only. This is NOT a solicitation for proposals, proposal abstracts, or quotations. This Sources Sought is issued for information and planning purposes only as part of USDA ARS market research and does not itself constitute an RFQ. Objective: Scientists at the Eastern Regional Research Center (ERRC) has a requirement for a laboratory / contractor to provide samples of DNA from cultures inoculated with fresh fecal samples that are subjected to food or food components. BACKGROUND The Gut Microbiome Group within the Dairy and Functional Foods Research Unit (DFFRU) at the EERC performs research on the effect of food and food ingredients on the gut microbiota of humans. This project requires testing of food components on the gut microbiota and subsequent DNA extraction for community level analysis and becomes part of our DNA library. Sequencing of the DNA then allows for the evaluation of how these foods may impact the gut microbiota of different individuals. GENERAL SCOPE The gut microbiome group is looking to purchase DNA for our DNA library on the gut microbiome. The DNA is extracted from samples of in vitro, cultured, gut microbiota treated with different foods or food components. Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists will require the following specifications: The gut microbiota used for culturing is required to be feces harvested fresh (not frozen) from subjects that are healthy humans. ARS scientists will provide a list of requirements that will be used to define the term healthy humans. Further demographic data on the subjects will be required on demand, but only if deemed necessary by ARS scientists. The feces used for culturing must be within specific age groups as determined by ARS scientists. After harvesting fresh fecal samples, they will be processed using a phosphate buffer following industry standards and used to inoculate miniaturized anaerobic bioreactors. The bioreactors used must be anaerobic, and capable of monitoring pH and gas production during the incubation period. The harvested gut microbiota samples will be cultured for 6, 24 or 48 hours. The samples will be maintained anaerobic and at 37 °C during culturing. Samples will be taken at set time points during culturing for DNA extraction. Scientists will determine what time points require sampling. The DNA extraction must be performed following collection using current industry standards, for example, a DNA extraction kit. The type of extraction kit will be verified by ARS scientists to ensure suitability. The DNA samples are required to be ? 5 ng/µL in a total volume of > 49 µL each. Samples will be frozen and shipped on dry ice to maintain integrity. 3.0 Period of Performance One year. (Based on date of Award) The Contractor Shall: This Sources Sought is only for the purpose of identifying potential sources as part of USDA ARS market research. The Government does not intend to make an award based on responses to this inquiry. This notice does not constitute a commitment by the Government. Responses to the information requested will assist the Government in determining the appropriate acquisition method, including whether a set-aside is possible. The purpose of this notice is to obtain information regarding the availability and capability of qualified sources including any Small Businesses; HUBZone small business; service-disabled, veteran-owned small business; 8(a) small business; veteran-owned small business; woman-owned small business; or small disadvantaged businesses. Please state if you are a large business or a small business according to the NAICS code listed in this Sources Sought. All information submitted in response to this announcement is voluntary, and the Government will not pay for information requested nor will it compensate any respondent for any cost incurred in developing information provided to the Government. Any organization responding to this notice should ensure that its response defines how it can specifically meet the specifications for the items requested. Respondents are advised that the Government is under no obligation to acknowledge receipt of the information received or provide feedback to respondents with respect to any information submitted. After reviewing the responses received, a Combined Synopsis solicitation notice may be published on Sam.gov. Submit ALL the Following in order to be a valid response to this Sources Sought Notice: Capability Statement and/or product descriptions that demonstrate your ability to meet all of the specific requirements, including Company Contact Info. SAM.gov UEI Number. Identify if you are a Large business or a Small business with NACIS 541714 and 621511. Original Point of Contact: All responses to this Sources Sought Notice must be received by August 20, 2024, by 9:00 AM PDT, the specified due date and time to be considered. Email responses to Elizabeth Wilson at Elizabeth.Wilson2@usda.gov. Responses will not be returned. Responders are solely responsible for all expenses associated with responding to this Inquiry. Do not submit pricing information in response to this Request.