A -- Genetic Toxicity in Animals

The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences is seeking statements from Offerors who have the capability to test approximately 15 chemicals per year for ten years for somatic genetic effects in rats and or/mice. Assays to be performed will include Task 1: Chromosomal aberration in various animal tissue; Task 2: Micronuclei in bone marrow, micronuclei in other tissues (e.g. lung, spleen, peripheral lymphocytes) and micronuclei in peripheral erythrocytes from sub-chronic studies; Task 3: Centromeric probe analysis of micronuclei; Task 4: Single cell gel electrophoresis assays of various tissues; and Task 5: Analysis of genetic toxicity information. The Offeror shall develop protocols for Tasks 1 to 4. All work for Tasks 1 to 4, including any subcontracted work, shall be performed at the offeror's site in order to minimize the number of needed animals. Task 5 will be conducted off-site at the NIEHS. The Offerors should respond to and be proficient in all five tasks. The Offeror shall be able to treat pups less than five days old. All work shall be performed in a manner compatible with the National Toxicology Program (NTP) Health and Safety Minimum Requirements. All laboratory records shall be kept in accordance with FDA Good Laboratory Practice regulations (Federal Register, Friday, September 4, 1987, pp. 33768-33782 (21 CFR Section 58). All animal care and handling procedures shall be in accord with the appropriate sections of the NIEHS Specifications for the Conduct of Studies to Evaluate the Toxic and Carcinogenic Potential of Chemical, Biological and Physical Agents in Laboratory Animals for the NTP." The contract will be a level of effort, term-form cost reimbursement type contract. It is estimated the project will require .5 professional person-years per contract year and 3 technical person-years per contract year. Task 5 will require 1 technical person - year per contract year. The Principal Investigator and professional staff must have training and experience in cytogenetic and chemical mutagen assays using the procedures describe in the Statement of Work (SOW). The Principal Investigator shall also have current experience in directing a mutagenicity testing program. Technical personnel shall have training and experience in the use of in vivo cytogenetics assays and the assays described in the SOW. New technology has automated the process of counting the number of micronuclei cells on slides and therefore a Flow Cytometer is required of the Offeror to perform this project. It is imperative that the Offeror own a Flow Cytometer and do not subcontract the equipment. Small Business concerns having research and development capabilities in this field and facilities for the performance of this work are invited to submit a summary of qualifications to the procuring office listed in this notice within 30 calendar days from the date of this notice. Information furnished should include the professional qualifications to the procuring office listed in this notice within 30 calendar days from the date of this notice. Information furnished should include the professional qualifications of scientific and technical personnel: a description of the general and specific facilities and equipment for the proposed testing; and outline of previous projects similar to this that have been conducted by your organization: and other available descriptive literature. When submitting this information please reference Sources Sought Announcement No. SS-NIEHS-02-11.***** Small Business sources are sought to provide the Government with the capacity to test approximately 15 chemicals per year for ten years for somatic cell genetic effects in rats and or/mice.