---
title: "GB-London: RBGKEW1276 - Whole Genome Sequencing for cacao DNA from herbarium specimens"
ocid: "ocds-b5fd17-da614d87-ee1c-4215-bcc3-c037b1375741"
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markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-da614d87-ee1c-4215-bcc3-c037b1375741.md"
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source: "Contracts Finder"
current_stage: "Award"
buyer: "BIP SOLUTIONS LIMITED"
published: "2024-03-22"
---

# GB-London: RBGKEW1276 - Whole Genome Sequencing for cacao DNA from herbarium specimens

Buyer: BIP SOLUTIONS LIMITED  
Current stage: Award  
OCID: ocds-b5fd17-da614d87-ee1c-4215-bcc3-c037b1375741

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## Summary

The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (RBG Kew) has awarded a contract for a high-throughput sequencing service for cacao DNA from historical herbarium collections. This procurement falls under the "Research laboratory services" category and was classified as an open procedure below threshold. The contract value is £17,920 GBP, with a tender deadline of February 16, 2024. The contract period is from March 4, 2024, to September 3, 2025. The buying organisation, BIP SOLUTIONS LIMITED, located in London, was the contracting authority for this tender.

This contract presents an opportunity for small or medium enterprises (SMEs) with experience in high-throughput sequencing from aged herbarium samples. Businesses well-suited to compete are those with expertise in CTAB-extraction methods, library preparation using Nextera XT Library Kit, and paired-end whole genomic sequencing. Being able to handle heavily fragmented DNA and ensure data quality post-sequencing are crucial capabilities. The successful supplier, RBG KEW, will support RBG Kew's project on studying the global geographical history of Theobroma cacao.

## Notice

The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (RBG Kew) intends to appoint a supplier for a high-throughput sequencing service from ancient-DNA extractions sourced from historical herbarium collections of cacao specimens (Theobroma cacao, Malvaceae) and wild relative species (Theobroma/Herrania spp.). Utilizing a CTAB-extraction method, the extracted samples will be sent in batches. The supplier must conduct pre-quality control (QC) tests (including RNase treatment and DNA purification, if necessary) on these total-genome DNA extractions, ensuring acceptable yields and concentrations. Tasks also include library preparation using the Nextera XT Library Kit and performing paired-end whole genomic sequencing (WGS) using the Illumina NovaSeq 6000 (or an equally powerful sequencing platform) to seek obtaining ideally ~12 Gb per sample, depending on the conditions of the sample. This process aims to cover 120-140 samples, targeting a coverage of 15-30x each, given the known genome size of Theobroma species at ~450-490 Mbp. The supplier should be acquainted with high-throughput sequencing from aged herbarium samples, due to the historical nature of these collections (preserved over 50-100 years ago). They are expected to have previous experience in the production of satisfactory data under these conditions and will need to state this in the application. Each sample sent will contain 25-50 uL of DNA, predominantly at concentrations of 10 ng/uL (some with less, but never less than 0.5 ng/uL of total DNA). It is expected that many samples will have heavily fragmented DNA, and the supplier should be able to present alternatives to deal with these. Following sequencing, the supplier should conduct post-QC to verify data quality before delivery. Data transfer methods such as USB, HDD, or preferably Cloud transfer are viable options. The genomic data obtained will support an ongoing project at RBG Kew. This project aims to comprehensively study the geographical history, and other population genomic studies of Theobroma cacao at a global scale, utilising molecular data obtained from historical herbarium collections combined with data obtained from other sources. Additional information: The contracting authority considers that this contract may be suitable for economic operators that are small or medium enterprises (SMEs). However, any selection of tenderers will be based solely on the criteria set out for the procurement.

## Key Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication source | Contracts Finder |
| Latest notice | https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/8b9908eb-cc22-41d9-a2d6-9e47aa12554f |
| Notice type | Award Notice |
| Procurement type | Standard |
| Procurement category | Services |
| Procurement method | Open |
| Procurement method details | Open procedure (below threshold) |
| Tender suitability | SME |
| Awardee scale | Large |
| All stages | Award |

## Dates

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication date | 22 Mar 2024 |
| Submission deadline | 16 Feb 2024 |
| Future notice date | Not specified |
| Award date | 16 Feb 2024 |
| Contract period | 4 Mar 2024 - 3 Sep 2025 |
| Recurrence | Not specified |

## Values

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender value | £17,920 |
| Lots value | Not specified |
| Awards value | £17,920 |
| Contracts value | Not specified |

## Status

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender status | Complete |
| Lots status | Not specified |
| Awards status | Active |
| Contracts status | Not specified |

## Buyer

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Main buyer | BIP SOLUTIONS LIMITED |
| Locality | LONDON |
| Post town | Twickenham |
| Postcode | TW9 3AB |
| Country | England |
| ITL 1 | TLI London |
| ITL 2 | TLI7 Outer London - West and North West |
| ITL 3 | TLI75 Hounslow and Richmond upon Thames |
| Local authority | Richmond upon Thames |
| Electoral ward | Kew |
| Westminster constituency | Richmond Park |
| Delivery location | TLI London |

## Supplier

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Number of suppliers | 1 |
| Supplier names | RBG KEW |

## CPV Codes

### Divisions

- 73 - Research and development services and related consultancy services

### Codes

- 73111000 - Research laboratory services

## Release History

- 22 Mar 2024 at 12:36 - Award - Award Notice - https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/8b9908eb-cc22-41d9-a2d6-9e47aa12554f

## Documents

- https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/8b9908eb-cc22-41d9-a2d6-9e47aa12554f
  22nd March 2024 - Awarded contract notice on Contracts Finder
- https://www.delta-esourcing.com/delta/respondToList.html?noticeId=848529081
  Please follow this link to view the notice.

## Provenance

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