Request for Quotation (RFQ) - DNA High Throughput Sequencing Analysis of Soil and Plant DNA Extracts, AAFC, Swift Current Research and Development Centre

PROJECT SUMMARY:

The Department of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), Swift Current Research and Development Centre (SCRDC), Swift Current, Saskatchewan requires a supplier to provide DNA High Throughput Sequencing Analysis of Soil and Plant DNA Extracts. The supplier will be required to provide the labour, equipment, supplies and lab space necessary to conduct DNA sample preparation and sequencing analysis on extracted DNA samples provided by AAFC.

BACKGROUND:

The Swift Current Research and Development Centre (SCRDC), Soil Microbiology Laboratory (SCRDC MicroLab) strives to develop biotechnologies related to managing plant-associated microorganisms in efficient and sustainable agricultural cropping systems for the Canadian Prairies and beyond. A key component to achieving this goal is determining what microorganisms are present in the soils and plants of Western Canada’s agricultural region. Most of our research includes microbial DNA analyses as an important part of understanding the roles of microbial diversity in plant protection, nutrient cycling as well as other activities we are beginning to understand.

To meet our research goals we need DNA sequencing, using technologies that are not currently available in our research facility. Entering into a Contract for these services will enable AAFC to continue meeting the goals of our microbial biodiversity work. In addition, these technologies are continuously evolving and for this reason some services providers acquire the most up-to-date equipment, which allows us to have the leading edge technology available to us.

SERVICES:

The services required are detailed in Appendix B herein. AAFC anticipates awarding a contract for One (1) year from the Date of Award, with an Option to Extend, for up to two (2) additional, one (1) year options.

* Firms intending to submit bids on this project should obtain bid documents through the GETS service provider at http://Buyandsell.gc.ca/tenders . Firms that obtain bid documents from a source other than the official site run the risk of not receiving a complete package.