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The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is conducting market research to determine the availability of qualified businesses capable of providing DNA marker gene analysis on methane derived authigenic carbonate rocks collected from the Cascadia Margin. This sources sought announcement is not a request for quote or proposal and the Government is not committed to award of a purchase order or contract pursuant to this announcement. The information resulting from this market research is simply for planning purposes to assist the Government in determining its acquisition strategy. The Government will not pay for any costs incurred in the preparation of information for responding to this notice. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541380 Testing Laboratories and associated size standard is $16.5 million apply to this announcement. All responsible sources may submit a capabilities statement detailing the ability of their service to meet the Scope included with this announcement. Responses to this announcement shall only be accepted through electronic mail addressed to [email protected] and must be uploaded and received in their entirety no later than April 20, 2020. Responses submitted by hardcopy or the FedConnect web portal or the FedConnect Message Center shall not be accepted or considered. Scope The U.S. Geological Survey, Geology, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science (PCMSC) has identified a need for DNA marker gene analysis on methane derived authigenic carbonate rocks collected from the Cascadia Margin at methane seep sites. Identifying where anaerobic oxidation of methane (AOM) occurs, what microbial communities are driving AOM, and the environmental conditions supporting AOM are all critical in our understanding of global methane budgets. However, phylogenetic data is needed further identify the methanotrophic consortia driving. We have worked to develop a multidisciplinary research program, grounded in geologic studies (e.g., seafloor mapping, sediment transport), focusing on understanding complex deepwater marine communities and providing ecosystem-based scientific studies in on the Outer Continental Shelf. Information on biomarkers of AOM by methanotrophic archaea provided by the USGS and partners is necessary to understand marine carbon processes at both modern and dormant seep sites. 100 samples. Level of Knowledge and Skills The contractor must have an extensive background in microbial community analyses via DNA marker gene analysis. In addition, the contractor must have specific knowledge and experience with extracting DNA from authigenic carbonates and PCR amplification and statistical analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences using Nonmetric multidimensional scaling. The contractor must also have a track record of writing technical reports and published manuscripts. Period of Performance The period of performance will commence May 2020, and will continue until May 2024 with the possibility of additional samples added from ongoing research along the US Pacific margin and options for funds to be added during the second through fourth year options. Deliverables The contractor will summarize the analytical protocols and results on MDACs collected along the Cascadia Margin and will assist in preparing technical reports and peer-reviewed publications.

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