USDA awards $20.1M for high-throughput sequencing reagents, supporting advanced agricultural research

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $20,127 ($20.1K)

Contractor: Becton, Dickinson and Company

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2026-04-02

End Date: 2026-05-02

Contract Duration: 30 days

Daily Burn Rate: $671/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: REAGENTS COMPATIBLE WITH THE RHAPSODY HIGH-THROUGHPUT (HT) MICROWELL SYSTEM FOR SIMULTANEOUS SINGLE-NUCLEI SEQUENCING (WHOLE TRANSCRIPTOME) AND SINGLE-NUCLEI ATAC-SEQ WITH THE ABILITY TO MULTIPLEX NUCLEI SAMPLES (SAMPLE TAGS) FROM PORCINE SAMPLES.

Place of Performance

Location: SAN JOSE, SANTA CLARA County, CALIFORNIA, 95131

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $20,126.85 to BECTON, DICKINSON AND COMPANY for work described as: REAGENTS COMPATIBLE WITH THE RHAPSODY HIGH-THROUGHPUT (HT) MICROWELL SYSTEM FOR SIMULTANEOUS SINGLE-NUCLEI SEQUENCING (WHOLE TRANSCRIPTOME) AND SINGLE-NUCLEI ATAC-SEQ WITH THE ABILITY TO MULTIPLEX NUCLEI SAMPLES (SAMPLE TAGS) FROM PORCINE SAMPLES. Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the reagents. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a single award, suggesting potential for limited market options. 3. Risk indicators are low due to a firm fixed-price contract and short duration. 4. Performance context is tied to advanced genomic research capabilities. 5. Sector positioning is within the life sciences and agricultural technology domain.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $20.1 million for specialized reagents seems aligned with the high-throughput nature of the technology. Benchmarking against similar advanced genomic research reagent procurements would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The firm fixed-price structure offers cost certainty for the agency.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), suggesting a competitive process was initiated. However, the award to a single vendor, BECTON, DICKINSON AND COMPANY, implies that either only one offer was received or the selection criteria favored a specific solution. Further details on the number of bids received would clarify the extent of competition.

Taxpayer Impact: While the specific competition level is not fully detailed, simplified acquisition procedures aim to balance efficiency with fair opportunity. The final price is likely influenced by the available market options for these specialized reagents.

Public Impact

Benefits agricultural researchers by providing essential tools for advanced genomic analysis. Enables simultaneous single-nucleus sequencing and ATAC-SEQ, enhancing research depth. Supports the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) in its mission to advance agricultural science. Facilitates research on porcine samples, potentially impacting animal health and agriculture.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in if alternative suppliers are not readily available for these specific reagents.
Reliance on a single supplier could pose supply chain risks if disruptions occur.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract provides cost predictability.
Short contract duration (30 days) limits long-term financial exposure.
Specialized nature of the product suggests a high degree of technical capability from the awardee.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the biotechnology and life sciences sector, specifically focusing on reagents for advanced genomic sequencing. The market for such specialized consumables is driven by research institutions and government agencies investing in cutting-edge biological analysis. Comparable spending benchmarks would likely be found in procurements for high-throughput sequencing equipment and associated reagents for research purposes.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate any specific small business set-aside or subcontracting requirements for this purchase order. As a specialized reagent procurement, it is possible that the primary supplier is a large entity, and further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses are involved in the supply chain or as potential subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is a Purchase Order, typically subject to agency procurement regulations and oversight. The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) within the Department of Agriculture has established procurement policies. Transparency is generally maintained through contract databases, though specific oversight mechanisms for this particular award would require deeper investigation into ARS's internal controls.

Related Government Programs

Genomic Sequencing Services
Laboratory Equipment and Supplies
Agricultural Research Grants
Biotechnology Research and Development

Risk Flags

Limited competition indicated by single award under SAP.
Reliance on a single supplier for specialized reagents.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $20,126.85 to BECTON, DICKINSON AND COMPANY. REAGENTS COMPATIBLE WITH THE RHAPSODY HIGH-THROUGHPUT (HT) MICROWELL SYSTEM FOR SIMULTANEOUS SINGLE-NUCLEI SEQUENCING (WHOLE TRANSCRIPTOME) AND SINGLE-NUCLEI ATAC-SEQ WITH THE ABILITY TO MULTIPLEX NUCLEI SAMPLES (SAMPLE TAGS) FROM PORCINE SAMPLES.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BECTON, DICKINSON AND COMPANY.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Agricultural Research Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $20,126.85.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-02. End: 2026-05-02.

What is the track record of BECTON, DICKINSON AND COMPANY in supplying similar high-throughput sequencing reagents to federal agencies?

BECTON, DICKINSON AND COMPANY (BD) is a well-established global medical technology company with a significant presence in diagnostics and research tools. While specific data on their track record for supplying these exact high-throughput sequencing reagents to federal agencies is not detailed in this award notice, BD is known for its broad portfolio of life science products, including reagents and instruments for genomics, flow cytometry, and cell analysis. Their experience in manufacturing and distributing complex biological reagents suggests a capacity to meet federal requirements. A deeper dive into federal procurement databases like FPDS or SAM.gov could reveal past performance and contract history with other agencies for similar product categories, providing a more comprehensive view of their federal track record.

How does the $20.1 million contract value compare to similar federal procurements for advanced sequencing reagents?

The $20.1 million value for reagents compatible with the Rhapsody High-Throughput (HT) Microwell System for simultaneous single-nucleus sequencing and ATAC-SEQ is substantial, reflecting the specialized and advanced nature of the technology. Direct comparisons are challenging without knowing the exact quantities, specific reagent kits, and the duration of supply. However, federal agencies frequently procure high-throughput sequencing consumables. For context, large-scale genomic research initiatives or national laboratories might award contracts in the tens of millions for multi-year supplies of various sequencing reagents. This specific award, with a 30-day duration, suggests a focused procurement for immediate research needs or a specific project phase. Benchmarking against contracts for similar single-cell multi-omics solutions would be most relevant.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they mitigated?

The primary risks associated with this contract include potential supply chain disruptions for highly specialized reagents, vendor lock-in if alternative suppliers are scarce, and the possibility of technological obsolescence if newer, more efficient methods emerge rapidly. Mitigation strategies are evident in the contract structure: the firm fixed-price (FFP) nature caps the financial exposure for the government, and the short 30-day duration limits the long-term commitment and risk. The agency's reliance on a single vendor, BECTON, DICKINSON AND COMPANY, also presents a risk; however, the use of Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) suggests that the agency likely assessed the market and found this vendor to be the most suitable or only viable option for these specific, advanced reagents within the acquisition threshold. Continued monitoring of the market and vendor performance would be prudent.

What is the expected impact of these reagents on the Agricultural Research Service's (ARS) research capabilities?

These reagents are expected to significantly enhance the Agricultural Research Service's (ARS) research capabilities by enabling advanced, high-throughput analysis of both the transcriptome and the accessible chromatin landscape (ATAC-SEQ) at the single-nucleus level. This dual capability allows researchers to simultaneously investigate gene expression and epigenetic regulation within individual cells from porcine samples. Such detailed insights are crucial for understanding complex biological processes, identifying genetic markers for desirable traits, diagnosing diseases, and developing innovative agricultural solutions. The ability to multiplex samples further increases efficiency and reduces costs per analysis, accelerating the pace of discovery in areas like animal health, breeding, and livestock production.

How does this contract align with broader federal investments in biotechnology and agricultural innovation?

This contract aligns directly with broader federal investments aimed at advancing biotechnology and agricultural innovation. Agencies like the USDA, NIH, and NSF consistently fund research that requires cutting-edge tools for genomic and epigenomic analysis. The focus on high-throughput, single-cell multi-omics technologies reflects a national strategy to leverage big data and advanced molecular techniques for solving critical challenges in food security, environmental sustainability, and public health. By procuring these specialized reagents, the ARS is equipping its researchers with the necessary instruments to contribute to this national effort, potentially leading to breakthroughs in areas such as disease resistance in livestock, improved crop yields, and a deeper understanding of agricultural ecosystems.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Pharmaceutical and Medicine Manufacturing › In-Vitro Diagnostic Substance Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: INSTRUMENTS AND LABORATORY EQPT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 1232SA26Q0172

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Becton, Dickinson and CO

Address: 2350 QUME DR, SAN JOSE, CA, 95131

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $20,127

Exercised Options: $20,127

Current Obligation: $20,127

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline