Description
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is conducting market research to determine the availability of qualified businesses capable of providing an eDNA autosampling platform. The platform must meet or exceed certain specifications, including the ability to collect, filter, and preserve 30 or more eDNA water samples for up to 3 months autonomously. The platform should also have a UV-based system to minimize biofouling, log sampling metadata, and be easy to field service. Some key features of the platform include:
• Collect, filter, and preserve 30 or more eDNA water samples for up to 3 months autonomously
• UV-based system to minimize biofouling
• Logs sampling metadata
• Easy to field service, requiring minimal time and personnel
• Design minimizes contamination risk at the site and when samples are being transported to the laboratory
• Filter sample holders can be decontaminated and reused multiple times
• Can accommodate different 47-mm diameter filter types and sample preservation solutions
• Water volume accuracy of ≥ 95% for ≤ 2 L sample volumes
• Land-based, can be deployed from shore, and relatively compact
• Run off of battery in the field with a swappable battery pack and minimum power draw
• Sampling rate is user-definable and programmable
• Evidence of validation and testing