Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) Services   3

Background
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) is seeking Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) services to support gene expression translational research. This initiative aims to fulfill obligations related to various research programs. Historically, the USEPA has utilized microarray and quantitative polymerase chain reaction technologies, but advancements in sequencing technology and reduced costs have made NGS a more informative and cost-effective option. The USEPA has identified the NovaSeq 6000 S4 system from Illumina as the preferred platform for these studies due to its superior data output and efficiency compared to traditional methods.

Work Details
The contractor will provide firm fixed-price services for NGS, which includes:

1. Furnishing necessary personnel, materials, equipment, services, and facilities to perform the tasks outlined in the Performance Work Statement (PWS).

2. Conducting library preparation services compatible with Illumina sequencing technology.

3. Accepting user-submitted libraries for sequencing and providing quality assurance services for these submissions.

4. Performing sequencing primarily on RNA samples from aquatic organisms such as fathead minnows and zebrafish.

5. Delivering comprehensive quality metrics related to sequencing accuracy, read length consistency, coverage uniformity, and error rates as specified in the evaluation criteria.

Period of Performance
The contract will be executed over a period of five years from the date of award.

Place of Performance
Services will primarily be performed at the contractor's core facility.