This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; proposals are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued.

                (ii) The solicitation number and a statement that the solicitation is issued as a request for quotation (RFQ).

                (iii) A statement that the solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular FAR FAC 2021-05 March 10, 2021.

                (iv) This is a total 100% small business set-aside and the associated NAICS code is 541714 and small business size standard is 1000 employees.

                (v) See attached document (Specification Sheet).

                (vi) USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Appalachian Fruit Research Station

(AFRS) requires RNA Library Construction, Quality Control and Sequencing utilizing single end 150 bases reads via Illumina NovaSeq 6000 system or equivalent: deep-sequencing of these RNAs, in accordance with the following:

Performance Elements and Benchmarks:

-Peach RNA Seq- 45 RNA samples of Peach seed tissues to analyze seed tissues during fruit development

- Apple RNA Seq- 55 RNA samples of Apple seed tissues to analyze seed tissues during fruit development

-Optional samples for extension of initial contract (dependent on total cost of 1 and 2):

45 additional samples-- Apple RNAseq-21 flowers and ovules and Peach RNAseq-24 flowers and ovules

48 additional samples-- Apple RNAseq-12 calyx and trichomes and Peach RNAseq-36 fruit tissues

*Please see Specification Sheet*

                (vii) Performance location: USDA, ARS, AFRS, 2217 Wiltshire Road, Kearneysville, WV 25430.

                (viii) Provision at 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors-Commercial, applies to this acquisition.

                (ix) Award will be made on the basis of lowest price technically acceptable.

                (x) Offers must have a completed copy of the provision at 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Items, uploaded on beta.sam.gov by the time quotes are due.

                (xi) The clause at 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions-Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition.

                (xii) The clause at 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required To Implement Statutes or Executive Orders-Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition. See attached clauses for additional applicable clauses.

                (xiv) Questions are due by 24 June 2021. Quotes are due on 1 July 2021 at noon EST by email to Dilynn Rogers at [email protected].