Sequencing Services

STATEMENT OF WORK

1. Title
Sequencing Services

2. Background
The Morden Research and Development Centre, Cereal Pathology Laboratory is applying new molecular genetic technologies, including high throughput sequencing and building on previous research to build towards the development of wheat varieties with favourable traits including resistance to Fusarium head blight (FHB). A key component to achieving this goal is the identification of nucleotide sequence variants within individual T. aestivum lines demonstrating distinct levels of FHB resistance and susceptibility among other agronomic traits. Most of our research includes fungi and plant genomic and RNA analyses as an important part of understanding the roles of genes obtained in F. graminearum and challenged resistant and susceptible wheat tissues.

To meet our research goals we will need to perform a genomic and RNA-seq analysis. However, this technology is not currently available in our research facility, therefore, entering into a contract for these services will enable AAFC to continue meeting these goals. Further, as sequencing technology is continuously evolving, service providers with access to the most up-to-date equipment allows us to make use of the cutting edge technology available.

3. Objective
AAFC requires the services of a Contractor to provide Sequencing Services on T. aestivum and F. graminearum samples.

4. Scope of Work
The contractor is required to conduct sequencing of plant and fungal samples as follows:

1. Next Generation Sequencing Part 1

1500 nanograms of DNA from 100 Triticum aestivum samples will be provided to acquire the following:

a) gDNA QC
b) Shotgun PCRFree
c) Illumina Library QC
d) Illumina NovaSeq PE150 – 1200M reads (6X coverage)

2. Next Generation Sequencing Part 2

500 nanograms of RNA from 32 F. graminearum challenged T. aestivum and in vitro grown F. graminearum samples will be provided to acquire the following:

a) Bioanalyzer for RNA samples
b) NEB rRNA-depleted (plant) stranded library preparation or NEB mRNA stranded Library preparation (Fungi)
c) Illumina Library QC
d) NovaSeq6000 S4 PE100 Sequencing lane
e) Illumina NovaSeq 6000 S4 flow cell separator (per lane)

5. Deliverables and Schedule
Sequencing data for each project will be delivered within eight (8) weeks of sample submission.
Each project to be invoiced separately upon completion.

6. Language of Work
Deliverables to be provided in English.

7. Resources and Level of Effort
Contractor resources include NovaSeq 6000, Bioanalyzer for RNA samples, NEB library preparation kits for completion of required sequencing services.

8. Location of Work and Travel
Work to be performed at Contractor Site.

9. Duration/Period of Contract
Work will commence from date of award to be completed including invoicing on or before March 31, 2024