A -- Development of Nucleic Binding Detectors Using Carbon Nanotube Transistors

SAIC-Frederick, Inc. plans to enter into a sole source subcontract for Development of Nucleic Binding Detectors using Carbon Nanotube (CNT) Transistors with the University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland. To facilitate the development of the nanoplatforms, SAIC-Frederick will acquire the services and research collaborations from a highly experienced laboratory with advanced fabrication facilities (level 100 clean room capabilities, for example), and extensive quality control/quality assurance capabilities for producing carbon nanotubes and silicon nanowires. Further, the resulting contractual agreement will require the nanoscale platforms to be delivered in an array format (2cm x 2cm) to conform with the similar DNA detection platforms that are commercially available. The effort will be a comprehensive and multifaceted approach led by two research scientists at two institutions and involves three co-principal investigators from the University of Maryland (UMD), NIH and NASA. It is aimed at optimizing the characteristics of the CNT and sINW transistors and the development of the methodologies for system integration and large scale fabrication. As such, there is a need for the close interrelationships of tasks to be performed at CCR, NCI and UMD. It is this collaboration that represents the key strength of this project. The devices will be initially optimized specifically for genomic profiles that play a significant role in childhood cancer. All protocols that would be developed will be consistent with those that re currently used, and the results of our measurements will be calibrated against known microarray schemes. As a consequence, the devices will have a considerably simplified route towards acceptance and analysis by biologists and clinicians. The collaborative group, comprised of about 19 researchers, will be divided into teams with specific foci: Team 1: UMD: CNT fabrication and development, oversight Team 1b: NASA: SiNW transistor fabrication Team 2: UMD: Circuits implementation Team 3: Probe design, chemistry, probe attachment, hybridization, molecular biology, biological experiments, field testing, and oversight Much of the equipment and infrastructure to carry out the projects are already in place and the existing expertise and capabilities of each of the teams are leveraged for this project. Team 1 will be based at UMD whose main focus will be to understand the characteristics of the CNT filed effect transistors and to fabricate them with optimal characteristics. CNTs will be grown using high temperature reduction of methane and ethane in the presence of nanometer particle catalysis?s on the surface. The electrical characteristics will be measured and compared with atomic and micron scale morphology. A key requirement for the robust devices is the uniformity of t growth, the alignment and distribution of the sizes and the chirality of the grown CNT. The aim of this collaboration is to identify the optimal method for detecting the presence of hybridization of nucleic acids using oligo nucleotide probes using CNT and development of SiNW transistors; test the optimal probe between short oligonucuclotide DNA fragments, peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) and locked nucleic acids (LNA) probes on the nano devices; apply methodology for the detection of mRNA, DNA and miRNA; apply methodology for the detection of single base pair changes in DNA and hence for sequencing purposes; develop multiplex detection system for multiple probe sets; apply methodology for the detection of single base pair changes in DNA and hence for sequencing purposes; develop multiplex detection system for multiple probe sets; integrate pattern recognition software with the apparatus for a compressive device whose output is the predicted diagnosis. SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS: Because of the importance of the transferring technical knowledge and skills to and from the NCI and the need for a high degree of interactivity among investigators for intense periods of time, it is essential that subcontractors? facilities be located within a 30 mile radius of the NCI-Rockville Advanced Technology Center and NASA Goddard Space Center in Greenbelt, MD. The University of Maryland is uniquely qualified for this program due to its extended nanotechnology facilities, its relationship and proximity to NASA and its close proximity to the NIH/NCI Bethesda campus (within the requisite 30 mile radius). Moreover, the technique proposed by the University of Maryland is expected to surpass existing technology in sensitivity, ease of use; the capability toward miniaturization; and does not require chemical or enzymatic manipulation of the nucleic acid being detected. This acquisition will be processed in accordance with simplified acquisition procedures as stated in FAR 13.501. This notice is being posted for the benefit of other subcontractors that may be within the 30 mile radius range requirement and have the unique capabilities to accomplish the work as described. Should you feel your organization meets the criterion, please submit a capabilities statement by noon (EST) December 22, 2006 to Ms. Jeanne Lewis at contact@example.gov.