Development and Validation of Epigenetic Aging Models for Northwest Atlantic Fish Species

Project ID: REQUIREMENTS-26-2587 FederalOpportunitiesSources Sought

Overview

Agency	Western Acquisition Division
Deadline	06/05/26
Posted	05/20/26
Estimated Value	$750,000 - $2,500,000 (AI estimate)
Set Aside	None
NAICS	541380 - Testing Laboratories and Services
PSC	B534 - Special Studies/Analysis- Wildlife
Location	Woods Hole, MA United States

Description

Primary Latest Change

Summary

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

Sources Sought Notice

This is a Sources Sought Notice requesting information for market research purposes in accordance with Revolutionary Federal Acquisition Regulations Overhaul (RFO) Part 10 Procedures. This is not a solicitation, nor does it guarantee a solicitation will be issued. Requests for a solicitation will not receive a response. This is not a request for proposals and it does not obligate the government in any manner. The Department of Commerce (DOC), NOAA is seeking sources capable of performing the requirements necessary to complete Development and Validation of Epigenetic Aging Models for Northwest Atlantic Fish Species services for the Northeast Fisheries Science Center. The Government is especially interested in responses from SBA certified small business concerns that are capable of performing the work described within this notice. The Government anticipates awarding a single award Firm-Fixed Price type contract for services with a 5-year performance period inclusive of option years. The NAICS code for this requirement is 541380 and the small-business size standard is $19,000,000.00.

RESPONSE REQUIREMENTS

Responses to this notice shall be limited to ten (10) pages (excluding marketing literature and/or technical data sheets and/or resumes) and shall include the following: 1. Organization Information - The organization name and address, and a point of contact name, telephone number and e-mail address. The organization point of contact shall have the knowledge and authority to clarify responses with Government representatives. - The organization's Unique Identification Number, and organization/company structure (corporation, LLC, partnership, joint venture, etc.). - Written confirmation of the organization's registration in SAM (www.sam.gov). Offerors should be registered to be considered as a source. - The size classification of the organization under the appropriate NAICS code, and if the organization is classified as a small business, HUBZone small business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned small business, Woman-owned small business and/or 8(a) certified small business. 2. Capability Statement - A detailed Capability Statement shall be provided which addresses the firm's capability level. Provide a summary for each of the following: - Capability to perform Tasks 1 8 in accordance with the draft Performance Work Statement (PWS) - Proximity to the NEFSC, Population Biology Branch (Woods Hole, MA) - Familiarity of the regional saltwater fishes

Key Personnel

Bioinformatician (required) - The contractor shall provide interdisciplinary expertise related to program and project management, business processes, best practices and procedures, database management, and meeting facilitation. The contractor shall have knowledge and expertise of NOAA Fisheries policies and programs, as well as experience with planning, and Federal financial management and operations. - Description of the company's past performance and experience with implementation of this type of support that is of a similar scope and size, including the general nature (Government or commercial entity, contract/purchase amount, etc.) relating to each of the past performance descriptions. - Identification of any Government contractual vehicles available for use for this requirement, such as GSA Federal Supply Schedule contract numbers and GWACs by agency and contract numbers, if applicable. Organization information, capability statements and other response requirements information shall be submitted to the contract specialist at Jamie.AbuShakrah@noaa.gov no later than 2:00PM PST on June 5, 2026. Do not call regarding this sources sought notice. Any questions or responses regarding this notice must be submitted in writing via e-mail to the above e-mail address. This request is not to be construed as a commitment on the part of the Government to award a contract, nor does the Government intend to pay for any information submitted as a result of this request. No entitlement to payment of direct or indirect costs or charges by the Government will arise as a result of the submission of contractor's information. The Government shall not be liable for or suffer any consequential damages for proprietary information not properly identified. Proprietary information will be safeguarded in accordance with the applicable Government regulations. NOAA reserves the right to contact one (1) or more of the respondents if additional information is required or to request demonstrations. Information obtained as a result of this announcement may be reflected in the subsequent solicitation, if issued. This announcement is Government market research and may result in revisions in both its requirements and its acquisition strategy based on industry responses.

Summary (Newest Update)

Background The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), under the Department of Commerce (DOC), is seeking sources capable of performing the Development and Validation of Epigenetic Aging Models for Northwest Atlantic Fish Species. This initiative aims to address the inadequacies of traditional aging methods for key fish species in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean, particularly for species like goosefish that cannot be aged reliably using conventional techniques. The goal is to develop innovative epigenetic aging methods that can enhance stock assessments and sustainable catch limits. Work Details The contractor will undertake the following tasks: 1) Project Kickoff & Sample Coordination: Participate in a kickoff meeting, receive and catalog fin clip samples from haddock, Atlantic cod, black sea bass, and goosefish. 2) DNA Extraction and Quality Control: Extract genomic DNA from samples and perform quality assurance checks. 3) DNA Methylation Sequencing: Use next-generation sequencing techniques to quantify DNA methylation levels. 4) Bioinformatics and Model Development: Process sequencing data to identify differentially methylated regions and develop predictive algorithms for age estimation. 5) Validation and Comparative Analysis: Cross-validate new models against known-age samples and calculate error rates. Optional tasks include additional experiments with other species if funding allows. Period of Performance The anticipated performance period for this contract is five years, inclusive of option years. Place of Performance The primary place of performance will be at the Contractor’s facilities for laboratory processing and bioinformatics analysis, with virtual progress meetings.

Contacts