B -- SEQUENCES CLONES FROM A CDNA NORMALIZED RAINBOW TROUT LIBRARY

Notice Date

June 15, 2001

Contracting Office

USDA, ARS, North Atlantic Area, Contracting Office, 600 East Mermaid Lane, Wyndmoor, PA 19038

ZIP Code

19038

Solicitation Number

16-3615-01

Response Due

July 10, 2001

Point of Contact

Lisa M. Botella, Point of Contact, (215) 233-6551, fax (215) 233-6558, Eileen LeGates, Contracting Officer

Description

The USDA, Agricultural Research Service requires a Contractor to provide the required services to sequence closes from a Normalized cDNA Rainbow Trout Library to produce 20,000 to 30,000 Expressed Sequence Tags (ESTs). The Contractor shall furnish and deliver all material to the USDA, ARS facility in Leetown, West Virginia in accordance with the terms, conditions, and specifications contained in this document. This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the Format in Subpart 12.6 as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. Prices are being requested and a written solicitation has been issued. CONTRACTORS WHO ARE INTERESTED IN RECEIVING THE SOLICITATION AND/OR ANY FUTURE AMENDMENTS MUST REGISTER IN WRITING TO BE INCLUDED ON THE MAILING LIST WITH THE CONTRACTING OFFICE LISTED ABOVE. The Solicitation number 16-3615-01 is issued as a Request For Quotation (RFQ). The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 97-26. This procurement is unrestricted. The NAICS is 541710 with a size standard of 1500 employees. SCHEDULE OF ITEMS- Item no. 01, Furnish and Deliver all services to provide 20,000 ESTs by sequencing clones from a Normalized Rainbow Trout cDNA Library in accordance with the terms, conditions, and specifications contained in this document; UNIT 1=JOB, UNIT PRICE: $______ and AMOUNT: $_______. Item no. 02, Furnish and Deliver all services to provide 30,000 ESTs by sequencing clones from a Normalized Rainbow Trout cDNA Library in accordance with the terms, conditions, and specifications contained in this document; UNIT 1=JOB, UNIT PRICE: $______ and AMOUNT: $______. OPTION -- Item no. 03, Furnish and Deliver all services to provide 5,000 additional ESTs by sequencing clones from a Normalized Rainbow Trout cDNA Library in accordance with the terms, conditions, and specifications contained in this document; UNIT 1=JOB, UNIT PRICE: $______ and AMOUNT: $_______. NOTE: EITHER ITEM 1 OR ITEM 2 WILL BE PURCHASED, BUT NOT BOTH. Item 03 is an OPTION for additional requirements as necessary. (Refer to Sections B.4, B.5 and D.3) GOVERNMENT RESPONSIBILITIES -- The Government shall provide a Government-owned Normalized cDNA Rainbow Trout Library to the Contractor. The Library will be shipped to the Contractor by overnight mail on dry ice as frozen stocks of individual clones arrayed in 384-well plates. The Contractor will receive the library within 30 days after receipt of the purchase order. The number of clones in the library provided to the Contractor shall not exceed 60,288. The sequence data received from the Contractor will be analyzed at the USDA/ARS Meat Animal Research Center in Clay Center, Nebraska. The Government shall retain sole ownership of the data. The Government will make all EST sequence information available publically by submission to the Genbank dbEST database after analysis is completed but not later than twelve (12) months from the date of award. The Government shall notify the Contractor after the data has been made available to the public. GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS -- The USDA, ARS National Center for Cool and Cold Water Aquaculture located in Leetown, West Virginia has begun an Expressed Sequence Tag (EST) project with the goal of identifying as many uniquely expressed rainbow trout sequences as possible using a Normalized cDNA Library for this project. Sequencing the normalized cDNA library will make a significant contribution to the amount of rainbow trout sequence information that is publicly available. To sequence the library efficiently, individual clones must be in a format that is conducive to high-throughput protocols. The number, sequence, and arrangement of genes on chromosomes are unique for each species. In addition, individual clones will be selected for physical and genetic mapping, providing comparative mapping information between rainbow trout and other species. Having EST sequence information will be vital to this research. It is therefore important that this information is obtained for each species for which genetic improvement is desired. The genetic improvement of rainbow trout has been identified by the U.S. aquaculture industry as an objective for U.S. aquaculture research. This cDNA library, arrayed into 384-well plates, is an excellent resource for obtaining gene sequence information that will be useful for studies of gene expression and gene mapping. After analysis of data from the first 20,000 (item 01) or 30,000 (item 02) ESTs, it may be determined that additional clones in increments of 5,000 (item 03) from this library should be sequenced. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS -- The Contractor shall inform the COR in writing regarding the required number of clones necessary to provide the ESTs. This information is required within two weeks after receipt of the purchase order. Upon receipt of the clones from the Government-owned normalized cDNA library, NCCCWA requires the Contractor to sequence enough clones to obtain 20,000 to 30,000 rainbow trout ESTs. Clones will be (raw) sequenced from the 5 prime end using vector primers to obtain approximately 400-500 base pairs of rainbow trout sequence using: 1) a sequencing primer: the M13 Forward primer, sequence gta aaa cga cgg cca gt. The Contractor shall adhere to the Rights in Data -- Special Works, clause 52.227-17. Regardless of when the project started, a monthly report with a minimum of 3,000 sequences (or inclusive of all sequences completed to date) and shall be completed and submitted by December 1, 2001. The Contractor shall inform the COR if they experience problems with the Library as arrayed during sequencing. The COR will advise the Contractor and the Contracting Officer if changes are required to the order. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS -- 1) PROCEDURE METHOD STATEMENT: The Contractor shall provide a detailed statement on the protocols used for DNA isolation and sequencing; 2) CATALOG REPORT: The Contractor shall provide a detailed monthly report beginning thirty days after receipt of the library. Regardless of when the Contractor begins work, they shall complete 3,000 sequences (or identify the number of clones sequenced to date) and the associated catalog report by December 1, 2001. The final report is due upon completion of the project. The report shall include, at a minimum, the following: 1. Number of clones that have been sequenced. 2. Number of ESTs produced. 3. Detailing the average read length for each sequence. 4. Percentage of sequences that failed. 5. The number of completed sequences for work done since the last report. 6. Balance of clones remaining. 7. Identify problems encountered. DELIVERABLES -- The Contractor shall provide the number of clones required to perform the work identified in the purchase order to the COR within two weeks of receipt of the purchase order. The Contractor shall provide the sequence data in the form of chromatogram files on RW CDs formatted for Windows 98. The name of each chromatogram file is to reflect the clone that was sequenced. The Contractor shall provide a monthly Catalog Report to accompany each disc (refer to A.6 for details). The monthly reporting shall begin with receipt of the purchase order through the entire period of the contract. The Contractor shall return the library as it is sequenced. The Contractor shall ship the frozen stocks of the clones arrayed in 384-well plates on dry ice by overnight mail to the address below. Regardless of when the project started, a monthly report with a minimum of 3,000 sequences (or inclusive of all sequences completed to date) and shall be completed and submitted by December 1, 2001. (see Reporting Requirements, A.6). The Contractor shall provide the above requirements, delivered (F.O.B. Destination), to the address below, within 210 days after the receipt of the library from the Government. Delivery shall be between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excl. Federal holidays to the address below. Acceptance shall be made at destination. PACKING AND SHIPPING -- The Contractor shall be responsible for shipping the frozen stocks of the clones arrayed in 384-well plates on dry ice by overnight mail to the address below. The Contractor shall pack each item for shipment in a new container in such a manner that will ensure acceptance by common carrier and safe delivery at the destination. Containers and closures shall comply with the Interstate Commerce Regulation, Uniform Freight Classification Rules, or regulation of other carriers as applicable to the mode of transportation. The items to be furnished hereunder shall be labeled with the purchase order number and delivered, all transportation charges paid by the Contractor in accordance with the F.O.B. Destination clause to: USDA, ARS, National Center for Cool; and Cold Water Aquaculture; 11876 Leetown Road; Leetown, WV 25430; PO number. ADDITIONAL QUOTATION INFORMATION -- Telegraphic or facsimile quotations are NOT acceptable. Addenda to FAR Clause 52.212-1 -- 1) Item (b) Submission of Offers is amended to include the following: Submit your quotation, Procedure Method Statement, acknowledgement of amendments (if any), past performance information, and the Certifications at FAR 52.212-3 to USDA, ARS, North Atlantic Area, Contracting Office, 600 East Mermaid Lane, Wyndmoor, PA 19038. FAILURE TO SUBMIT THIS INFORMATION MAY RENDER THE OFFER NONRESPONSIVE. TELEGRAPHIC OR FACSIMILE OFFERS ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE. The provision at 52.212-2, Evaluation -- Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition. The Government will award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible offeror whose offer conforming to the solicitation will be most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered. The Government intends to evaluate offers and award a contract without discussions with offerors. Therefore, the offeror's initial offer should contain the offeror's best terms from a price and technical standpoint. However, the Government reserves the right to conduct discussions if later determined by the Contracting Officer to be necessary. The Government may reject any or all offers if such action is in the public interest; accept other than the lowest offer; and waive informalities and minor irregularities in offers received. The following evaluation criteria are included in paragraph(a) of that provision: Technical Capability, Past Performance and Price. Technical Capability and Past Performance shall be scored on a "Pass/Fail" basis. ADDENDA TO FAR CLAUSE 52.212-2 -- EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD-FAILURE TO PROVIDE THE INFORMATION RELATIVE TO EACH EVALUATION FACTOR MAY RENDER YOUR OFFER NON-RESPONSIVE. The Government intends to make an award based on the technically acceptable offer with the lowest evaluated price. Each offeror is required to furnish a written statement, descriptive literature, or other documentation, manufacturer or brand name of the item, and show how the offered items and/or product meets or exceeds the requirements as specified in the Specifications. 1) TECHNICAL CAPABILITY OF THE FIRM. Technical capability will be based on product literature, and technical features. Each offeror is required to furnish a written statement on the Procedure Methods that will be used, descriptive literature, or other documentation, and show how the offered services and product meets or exceeds the requirements as specified in the Specifications. Include a written statement which describes the following to show technical capability: A) Detailed statement on the protocols used for DNA isolation and sequencing; and B) Employment of most recent contemporary technology for DNA sequencing. 2) PAST PERFORMANCE. Past performance history may be based on the Contracting Officer's knowledge of any previous history of this type of work, customer surveys or any other verifiable information available to the Contracting Officer. The offeror's lack of performance history will not result in disqualification, but will result in a neutral past performance rating. A neutral score could be considered less favorable than a favorable past performance score. In order to be considered for a contract award, Contractors shall provide a list of three (3) contracts of a similar nature and complexity that the were awarded within the past three (3) years or that is/are currently in force. This information must be submitted with your offer. For each contract, list the following: 1. Name, address, and telephone number of the contracting organization, the Government's Project Officer and Contracting Officer. 2. Contract number, type, and dollar value. 3. Date of contract and period of performance. 4. List any contract(s) terminated for convenience or default (partial or complete) within the past three (3) years. Include the contract number, name, address, and telephone number of the terminating officer. 3) PRICE. Price includes all services, supplies, materials, discount terms, and transportation costs. Offerors shall include a complete copy of the provision at FAR 52.212-3, Offeror/Representation and Certifications-Commercial Items, with the quotation. FAR 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions-Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition. FAR Clause 52.212-4 is amended to include the following clauses by reference: 1. Item a: AGAR 452.246-70, Inspection and Acceptance shall be made at: i) Destination (address shown in Deliverables). 2. Item (g)- Invoices shall be submitted in an original, after delivery of the clone and the monthly report and acceptance of the items, to the Contracting Officer. 3. This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. The full text of these clauses, incorporated by reference, may be accessed electronically at this address: http://www.arnet.gov/far/. 52.214-34 -- SUBMISSION OF OFFERS IN THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE; 52.214-35 -- SUBMISSION OF OFFERS IN US CURRENCY; 52.214-21, DESCRIPTIVE LITERATURE; 52.227-17, RIGHTS IN DATA -- SPECIAL WORKS (JUN 1987); 52.232-19, AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS FOR THE NEXT FISCAL YEAR (APR 1984); 52.242-17, GOVERNMENT DELAY OF WORK (APR 1984); 52.246-20, WARRANTY OF SERVICES (APR 1984); 52.247-34; F.O.B. DESTINATION (NOV 1991). FAR 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statues or Executive Orders-Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition. The following FAR clauses cited in 52.212-5 are applicable to this acquisition for services; 52.203-6, Alt. 1, Restriction on Subcontractor Sales to the Government; 52.222-21, Prohibition of Segregated Facilities; 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity; 52.222-35, Affirmative Action for Disabled Veterans and Vietnam Era Veterans; 52.222-36, Affirmative Action for Workers with Disabilities; 52.222-37, Employment Reports on Disabled Veterans and Veterans of the Vietnam Era; 52.225-1, Buy American Act-Balance of Payments Program-Supplies; 52.225-15, Sanctioned European Union Country End Products; 52.225-16, Sanctioned European Union Country Services; 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer-Central Contractor Registration. Responses are due on July 10, 2001, by 4:00 p.m. local time, at the USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Contracting Office, 600 East Mermaid Lane, Wyndmoor, PA 19038. Point of contact for this acquisition is Lisa Botella, Contracting Specialist, (215) 233-6551, or fax (215) 233-6558.

Record

Loren Data Corp. 20010619/BSOL008.HTM (W-166 SN50P1C7)