Green Sea Turtle eDNA Primer Development and Sample Processing

IAW FAR 19.502-2 this is a Sources Sought Notice to assist in the determination of Small Business interest and capability to fulfill this requirement. This synopsis is for information and planning purposes only and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government. NO CONTRACT WILL BE AWARDED AS A RESULT OF THIS SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE. The United States Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Office of Acquisition and Grants is requesting information from qualified sources; the results of this announcement will be evaluated to determine if there are small business capable of fulfilling this requirement.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has a requirement to develop an eDNA primer for green sea turtles and process samples collected on separate monitoring and survey efforts in Southern California. This work aims to enhance the NMFS's understanding of green sea turtle distribution and habitat use in Southern California to contribute to the conservation and management of the green sea turtle population.

The period of performance for this work is expected to be from September 1, 2024-September 30, 2025 in which the contractor is to perform certain tasks and provide deliverables, which are listed below. The principal contractor should demonstrate nationally recognized eDNA capabilities, and include a lead principal scientist with a PhD degree and at least 5 years of experience working with eDNA applications.

TASKS:

Task 1: Primer Development and Validation

The purpose of this task is to develop specific and sensitive eDNA primers that can accurately amplify green sea turtle DNA from environmental samples. The primers should be validated in laboratory conditions using known green sea turtle DNA to ensure specificity and efficiency. The published custom digital droplet PCR (dPCR) probe for green sea turtles shall be evaluated and a new custom dPCR probe developed for evaluating presence of C. mydas in nearshore waters of southern California. A report shall be developed that documents the literature review process for existing primers, primer design process, in silico testing results, and laboratory testing results.

Task 2: Sample Processing

The purpose of this task to process samples collected from associated special studies, and report the findings. At a minimum, the contractor shall plan to process 65 samples identified by the NMFS point of contact (POC). The contractor should implement the following subtasks for the samples.

1. DNA Extraction
   • Extract DNA from collected environmental samples using established eDNA extraction methods.
2. eDNA Analysis
   • Conduct eDNA analysis using the validated primers.
   • Run appropriate controls (negative and positive) to ensure the reliability of results.
3. Data Analysis and Reporting
   • Analyze the data to detect the presence of green sea turtle eDNA in the collected samples.
   • Interpret the results in the context of green sea turtle habitat use and distribution.
   • Provide sample analysis report that includes detailed findings from the eDNA analysis of samples, including raw data, analysis results, and interpretation.

Deliverables:

Deliverable 1: Primer development and validation

Data submission to repository and data documentation in electronic written format to be completed by September 30, 2025.

Deliverable 2: Sample processing (~65 samples)

Electronic written format and submission through SCCWRP data portal to be completed by September 30, 2025.

Interested parties should submit a brief capability statement demonstrating their capabilities of meeting this requirement, no later than Monday, 5 August 2024 by 1200 Eastern Time. Capability statements should include the following: (1) Name of business (2) Contact information (3) Business size and classification e.g., Small business, 8(a), HUBZone, Small Disadvantaged business, Small Disadvantaged Veteran Owned business, and Women Owned small business; or Large Business (4) Technical description of ability to meet the requirement.

Capability statements are to be submitted electronically (Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF only) to:

Hannah Elwell at hannah.elwell@noaa.gov