Q--MOJAVE TORTOISE BIOINFORMATICS

PRESOLICITATION NOTICE
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) intends to issue a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for a sequencing facility to conduct de novo epigenetic methylation clock development for the Mojave Desert tortoise using whole-genome enzymatic methylation and 5-base workflow, including the preparation and sequencing of DNA samples for methylation analysis, delivery of sequencing data, and de novo epigenetic methylation clock development. The objective is to generate data and identify loci that will be used to age tortoises.

The Government anticipates awarding a firm-fixed-price purchase order for these services. Service Contract Act (SCA) is applicable and the wage determination corresponding to the location of performance will apply.

ACQUISITION PROCEDURES
This acquisition will be conducted using the simplified procedures for commercial products and commercial services under RFO Part 12.

In accordance with RFO 12.201-1(c)(2), for acquisitions at or below the Simplified Acquisition Threshold, the Contracting Officer may solicit quotations directly from suppliers. When using direct solicitation procedures, the Government will:
1. Post a presolicitation notice in the Governmentwide Point of Entry (GPE) in accordance with RFO Subpart 5.1, unless an exception applies;
2. Solicit quotations from at least three sources; and
3. Whenever practicable, solicit quotations from two sources not included in the previous solicitation.

Accordingly, the Government intends to solicit quotations directly from a minimum of three qualified sources.

In accordance with RFO 5.201(b)(2), this presolicitation notice is being posted to the GPE in lieu of posting the solicitation itself to the GPE. The RFQ will be provided directly to the sources selected for solicitation.

INTERESTED SOURCES
Interested, responsible sources that wish to be considered for this requirement may submit the following information:
- Company name;
- Unique Entity Identifier (UEI);
- Business size and socioeconomic status;
- Point of contact, telephone number, and email address; and
- A brief statement demonstrating the firm's capability to perform the required services briefly described above.

Interested firms should submit this information to Contracting Office Joahnne Ongjoco by email at Joahnne_Ongjoco@ios.doi.gov no later than the response date and time listed above.

The Government may use responses to this notice to identify additional qualified sources for direct solicitation.

THIS NOTICE IS NOT A REQUEST FOR QUOTATION (RFQ).

This presolicitation notice is for informational and planning purposes and does not constitute a solicitation, request for quotation, or commitment by the Government to award a contract.

The Government will issue the RFQ directly to selected sources in accordance with RFO 12.201-1(c)(2). All responsible sources responding to this notice will be considered by the Government in determining the sources to be solicited.