A new spend category has been created for the purchase of synthetic nucleic acids and synthesis equipment to help ensure compliance with the Framework for Nucleic Acid Synthesis Screening. This framework establishes screening processes for purchases of synthetic nucleic acids and synthesis equipment to help minimize the potential for misuse and ensure biosecurity for life sciences research. Federal funding agencies will now require that purchases of synthetic nucleic acids or synthesis equipment are made from suppliers that attest to screening purchases for sequences of concern and potential misuse.
Scope: This framework applies to research conducted at the University of Washington involving the procurement of all types of synthetic nucleic acids, including but not limited to:
- Single- or double-stranded DNA and RNA
- Whole organism genomes containing synthetic sequences
- Benchtop equipment capable of synthesizing nucleic acids
What you need to do
- Purchase synthetic nucleic acids and equipment within the Scope (above) only from suppliers that attest to following this framework. For a list of compliant suppliers, email ellefson@uw.edu.
- Use spend category SC2835 Nucleic Acid for these purchases. Refer to UW Procurement Exception Items.
For assistance
- For questions about the framework and synthetic nucleic acids, contact EH&S Biosafety at ehsbio@uw.edu or 206-221-7770.
- For questions related to purchases and identifying suppliers, contact UW Procurement at ellefson@uw.edu.