Dovetail Genomics LLC Micro-C Service

Requirements:

1. Purpose

Dovetail Genomics LLC Micro-C service employs micrococcal nuclease (MNase) digestion to generate highly uniform fragments, enabling precise capture of nucleosome positioning with even genomic coverage. This approach provides increased mapping resolution at the nucleosome level, while proximity ligation data enriched for long-range informative reads allows detection of higher-order chromatin organization, including chromatin loops and interaction frequencies. The purpose of this Statement of Work is to acquire Dovetail Genomics LLC Micro-C services for samples processing and associated data generation in support of NCI/CCR/LRBGE research on the effects of substrate stiffness on 3D chromatin architecture in colon cancer cell lines. This information will allow us to better understand the impact of substrate stiffness on gene regulation and cancer cell behavior.

2. Background

Mechanical cues regulate cell behavior in development, regeneration, aging, and disease, and in colon cancer, extracellular matrix stiffening may promote malignancy by altering focal adhesions, YAP1 transcription factor activity, invasion, transcriptional programs, and nuclear organization. Given the rising incidence of colorectal cancer in young adults and the NIH emphasis on human-based, animal-free research models, we will compare human colon cancer cells grown on substrates of different stiffnesses to determine whether physiologically relevant soft hydrogels, compared with rigid plastic, alter 3D nuclear architecture assessed by Micro-C. This work will test whether matrix stiffness reshapes chromatin organization and mechanosensitive transcriptional responses in ways that may be missed in conventional culture, supporting more predictive human-based models for cancer biology research.

Although third-party service contractors may theoretically offer related sample-processing support, they would not provide the same Dovetail Genomics LLC quality micro-C data and may be more expensive while not delivering the same analysis, comparability, or direct platform support required for this project.

3. Scope

The Contractor shall provide Dovetail Genomics LLC Micro-C Service and analysis for 8 Government-provided samples. Services shall include receipt and accessioning of submitted samples, processing using the Dovetail Genomics LLC protocol, applicable quality control steps, generation of analytical output, delivery of data files and summary documentation, and technical support needed to interpret the generated data within the scope of the quoted service.

4. Contractor Requirements and Tasks

1. Task 1: Project initiation and sample logistics. Coordinate with the Government technical point of contact to confirm sample submission requirements, sample manifest format, shipping instructions, acceptance criteria, and anticipated processing schedule before samples are shipped.
2. Task 2: Sample receipt and accessioning. Receive Government-provided samples; verify submitted samples against the Government-provided manifest; notify the Government of any discrepancies, insufficient volume, labeling concerns, shipping deviations, or conditions that may affect assay performance.
3. Task 3: Olink Explore HT sample processing. Process accepted samples using the Dovetail Genomics LLC Micto-C Service workflow in accordance with Dovetail Genomics LLC standard operating procedures and applicable quality standards. The Contractor shall use the Dovetail Genomics LLC platform, associated proprietary reagents, workflow, and analysis processes required to generate the requested Micro-C data.
4. Task 4: Quality control and data review. Perform applicable assay, sample, and data quality control review. The Contractor shall identify failed samples, quality-control flags, batch concerns, or other limitations relevant to interpretation of the analytical results.
5. Task 5: Data delivery. Provide the Government with the data generated from the Dovetail Genomics LLC Service, including supporting files/customary documentation provided with the service. Deliverables shall be provided electronically to the Government technical point of contact.
6. Task 6: Technical and biostatistical support. Provide technical consultation associated with the generated Dovetail Genomics LLC, including clarification of output files, quality-control flags, and interpretation of platform-specific analysis outputs. The quoted biostatistical support is included in the cost.

5. Government Responsibilities

• Provide samples suitable for Dovetail Genomics LLC processing, as applicable to the research protocol and internal requirements.
• Provide a complete and accurate sample manifest in the format required by Dovetail Genomics LLC before shipment.
• Coordinate shipment of samples only after all required agreements, order documentation, and sample submission instructions are in place.
• Respond to Contractor questions concerning sample identity, manifest discrepancies, project timing, and deliverable receipt.
• Review deliverables and provide acceptance or rejection with specific deficiencies within the timeframe stated in this Statement of Work.

7. Performance Standards and Acceptance

• The Contractor shall perform work using the Dovetail Genomics LLC Micro-C platform and associated standard procedures applicable to the quoted analysis service.
• Delivered data must correspond to the Government-provided sample manifest or identify discrepancies that prevent complete attribution.
• Delivered files must be accessible electronically in customary Dovetail Genomics LLC output formats and include applicable quality-control information or flags.
• The Government will review deliverables within 10 business days after receipt. If no written rejection or deficiency notice is provided within that period, the deliverable may be considered accepted.
• If a deliverable is rejected, the Contractor shall correct or explain the deficiency within a mutually agreed timeframe, provided the issue is within the Contractor's control and within the scope of the service.

8. Period and Place of Performance

The requested period of performance is July 15, 2026, through August 31, 2026. Work will be performed at the Contractor's facility or Dovetail Genomics LLC-controlled facilities appropriate for the Dovetail Genomics LLC Micro-C Service. Government coordination, deliverable review, and data transfer may occur electronically.

9. Data Rights, Confidentiality, and Sample Handling

The Contractor shall protect Government-provided samples, manifests, and project information from unauthorized disclosure and shall use them only to perform the required service. Samples shall not be shipped to Dovetail Genomics LLC before execution of required written agreements and completion of required sample submission documentation. Any sample disposition, residual material handling, or return/destruction requirements shall follow the executed agreement and Dovetail Genomics LLC's applicable terms for analysis services.

The Government retains rights to use the data generated under this requirement for its research, and reporting, subject to the final contract/order terms.

10. Security and Privacy

The Government intends to provide coded research samples and a sample manifest limited to information needed to perform the service. The Contractor shall not receive access to NIH information systems under this SOW. No Contractor personnel will require physical access to NIH facilities or Government-furnished information systems to perform the work, unless separately authorized in writing.

11. Government-Furnished Property, Equipment, or Information

The Government will furnish the biological samples and sample manifest required for the service. No Government-furnished equipment or Government-furnished property is anticipated beyond the submitted samples and project information necessary to perform the analysis service.