DNA quality assessment and SNP Genotyping. Due to the inability to update the specifications on Special Notice 36C24E20R0014, this new notice has been issued with the updated information.

The Veteran s Administration (VA) Office of Research and Development, Regional Procurement Office East in Pittsburgh, PA intends to negotiate on a sole source basis with Akesogen, Inc., based in Norcross, GA. The requirement is for continued DNA quality assessment and high throughput custom single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) genotyping, methylation as well as other molecular analysis for the ongoing Million Veteran Program (MVP) research program. This ongoing program has already processed the samples of over 800,000 veteran participants, which contained 700,000 genotyping samples, 42,000 methylation samples and 2,000 metabolite sample analysis. The data is currently being actively used by over 31 research teams to investigate various diseases. The continued success of the study necessitates continuity in current processes and protocols that allows for batch variation being kept below 1% to maintain the statistical prediction power of the MVP data as a single cohort. The specific work to be performed includes: Continuity with currently ongoing DNA quality checks, and SNP Chip genotyping on Thermofisher Axiom platform using VA custom chip, protocols and procedures. Headquarters and laboratory facilities where all the services are performed in full or in parts should be located within the Continental United States. Continue to conduct high-throughput research grade genotyping of VA human DNA samples at >97% genotyping call rate and >99% reproducibility on Thermofisher Axiom platform using VA custom SNP chip content with the VA generated custom protocol and processes. Continued custom Sample tracking and management utilizing bar coding to ensure security & traceability of VA samples and compatibility VA LIMS system. Contractor shall run all custom controls as previously tested and approved. To prevent any delays or interruptions contractors shall be required to have on file a NACI low level background investigation and security clearance in accordance with the VA IT Security Clause and complete the required training and procedures to comply with these requirements. All the QA/QC metrics and threshold developed in the project previously shall be strictly followed and adhered to. No deviations are permitted. The requirement will take place at the contractor s facility. The sole source is pursuant to FAR 6.302-1 Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals, however; any responsible source who believes it is capable of meeting the requirement may submit a capability statement and supporting documentation to the contracting office no later than Wednesday, March 11, 2020 (10:00 AM, EST). Interest/capability statements may be sent to Michael Haydo at Michael.haydo@va.gov. No telephone responses will be accepted. A determination not to compete the proposed requirement based upon the responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government.