DNA Sequencing, AAFC, Lethbridge Research and Development Centre

DESCRIPTION: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) has a mandated need to improve carbon sequestration and limit nitrogen waste in agricultural soils. The Lethbridge Research and Development Centre lab is currently working on two projects to meet these goals: The Regenerative Alberta Living Labs (RA-LL), and the Enhanced Efficiency Fertilizers (EEF) projects. The purpose of these projects is to return microbiome data from deep soil cores across Alberta to elucidate microbial associations with soil organic carbon across regenerative agricultural soils. To meet the deliverables of both these projects, we require DNA sequencing, so we can determine the composition and functional potential of microbial communities across regenerative agricultural pastures and farmlands, which will determine the impacts of sustainable farming practices across Canada through the publication of research articles and reports. A Contractor shall provide sequencing of 2460 DNA samples for Bacterial and Fungal community structure and community function through amplicon sequencing and shotgun metagenomics. The work shall be completed in two phases. The first phase of work shall be completed by the mandatory completion date of March 31st, 2024, and the second phase by June 30th, 2024. The Contractor may be required to provide additional sequencing for up to 2460 DNA samples each year for 2 optional years. Mandatory Technical Requirements Bids will be assessed in accordance with the entire requirement of the bid solicitation including the technical and financial evaluation criteria. Basis of selection: A bid must comply with the requirements of the bid solicitation and meet all mandatory technical evaluation criteria to be declared responsive. The responsive bid with the lowest evaluated price will be recommended for award of a contract. SOLICITATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED TO AAFC AT: This bid solicitation allows bidders to use the CPC Connect service provided by Canada Post Corporation to transmit their bid electronically. Bidders must refer to Part 2 entitled Bidder Instructions, and Part 3 entitled Bid Preparation Instructions of the bid solicitation, for further information. Canada retains the right to negotiate with any supplier on any procurement. Documents may be submitted in either official language of Canada. PROCURING OFFICE: Melissa Smith, Contracting Specialist Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Western Service Centre 300 – 2010 12th Avenue Regina, SK S4P 0M3 Telephone: 306-515-4796 E-mail address: melissa.smith3@agr.gc.ca AAFC has adopted the Integrity Regime administered by Public Services and Procurement Canada. As a result, the integrity provisions are being applied in AAFC procurement activities as outlined in this solicitation. Canada will make available Notices of Proposed Procurement (NPP), bid solicitations and related documents for download through the Government Electronic Tendering Service (GETS) at https://canadabuys.canada.ca/en/solicitation-opportunities. Canada is not responsible and will not assume any liabilities whatsoever for the information found on websites of third parties. In the event an NPP, bid solicitation or related documentation would be amended, Canada will not be sending notifications. Canada will post all amendments, including significant enquiries received and their replies, using GETS. It is the sole responsibility of the Bidder to regularly consult GETS for the most up-to-date information. Canada will not be liable for any oversight on the Bidder's part nor for notification services offered by a third party. Indigenous Procurement: The federal Indigenous Business Directory (IBD) is an online resource for all levels of government and the private sector to identify Indigenous business capacity. Having a business profile in the IBD will increase your company’s visibility and may provide additional business. A profile in the IBD can also allow you to compete for federal government contracts that are set-aside for Indigenous businesses through the Procurement Strategy for Indigenous Businesses. For more information and to review eligibility criteria and register, visit: www.canada.ca/indigenousbusinessdirectory.