A -- Knowledge-Based Resource for Linking Animal Models to Human Disease

The Division of Comparative Medicine of the National Center for Research Resources is conducting a market survey to assess the availability and potential technical capability of small business firms to develop an electronic directory of animal models resources and an associated web-based portal for accessing information at these resources for the project entitled: Knowledge-Based Resource for Linking Animal Models to Human Disease. The applicable NAICS code is 541710 and the size is 500 employees. The purpose of the study is to develop better access to resources for animal models of human disease and enhance the ability to search across multiple animal models as well as to capture specific models information that may be relevant to multiple diseases. One award is anticipated under a separate RFP. The Contractor will be responsible for performing the following tasks related to creating an electronic directory: 1) Identify the sources where the data and information about animal models exist; 2) Create a comprehensive meta-model for collecting data about the sources, the models and the data; 3) Implement the meta-model in a database; 4) Populate the database with the actual data about the identified models; 5) Survey the market of users to facilitate data collection; 6) Develop a website with the description of the project; 7) Identify relevant standards, taxonomies and ontologies; 8) Popularize the resource and develop tutorials and online help for new users and develop a model of community involvement; 9) Design a portal for integration of data, models and knowledge about animal models; 10) Develop a blueprint for integration of the electronic directory of models with existing knowledge structures; 11) Test potentially advantageous new methods for data and knowledge integration; and 12) Develop a 'tracking' system that will allow recording, managing and comparing various pathways of data and knowledge processing and integration. Small business firms having demonstrated experience in performing tasks 1-12 above are invited to submit capability statements (original and two copies). Capability statements must provide evidence of experience in performing the tasks described above and demonstrate the following: 1) Qualifications and availability of personnel with experience pertinent to the development, maintenance and operation of the electronic directory and the associated portal as an independent and reliable source of information about disease models tools and resources, including interacting constructively with the animal models and related research resource communities; 2) Adequacy of the organizational and project management structure to ensure appropriate staffing, resources and management processes for each task; 3) Facilities, equipment and resources necessary for the performance of the requirements listed above; and 4) The firm?s status as a small business under NAICS code 541710. Capability statements in response to this market survey that do not provide sufficient information for evaluation will not be considered. This is NOT a Request for Proposals (RFP), and responses should not include budgetary information. The RFP release date is pending. The government intends to negotiate one contract for a period of four years with an approximate award date of September 30, 2008. Firms responding to this market survey should provide information pertinent to the requirements mentioned above within (15) calendar days from the date of this announcement to the address shown above.