Analysis of bacterial DNA samples and using the QIIME data analysis system and the UNIFRAC distance matrix method

Contracting Office Address Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute, Office of Acquisitions9609 Medical Center Dr RM 1E144, Bethesda, MD 20852, UNITED STATES. Description The National Cancer Institute (NCI) plans to procure on a sole source basis with the University of Colorado, Boulder 275 UCB, Boulder, CO 80309 for analysis of bacterial DNA samples and using the QIIME data analysis system and the UNIFRAC distance matrix method. This acquisition will be processed in accordance with simplified acquisition procedures as stated in FAR Part 13.106-1(b)(1). Only one award will be made as a result of this solicitation. This will be awarded as a firm fixed price type contract. The North American Industry Classification System code is 541380 and the business size standard is $14 million. It has been determined that there is no opportunity to acquire green products or services under this contract. The Nutritional Epidemiology Branch (NEB), Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, NCI conducts intramural research in areas related to nutrition, metabolism, genetics, and microbiome and cancer which are aimed at understanding the etiology of cancer in humans. Focus areas of NEB research include the upper digestive tract microbiome. Tobacco is known to be the primary cause of periodontal disease and also causes other health consequences in the oral cavity including leukoplakia and cancers of the head and neck. Although demonstrated in numerous previous studies, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) study provides a unique opportunity to describe these adverse health effects in a representative population of the United States. The NHANES study also provides detailed information on tobacco use and includes users of cigarettes, pipes, cigars, and chewing tobacco. Oral wash samples are available from NHANES subjects and NCI aims to study the impact of tobacco use on the oral microbiome and oral diseases in a nationally representative population sample. NCI aims to generate new oral microbiome data in the NHANES study that can be compared to previous work by The University of Colorado, Boulder. The University of Colorado originally designed and implemented the methods necessary for the completion of the current project. The University of Colorado's laboratory is highly experienced in the analysis of 16S bacterial DNA samples and they designed the QIIME data analysis system and the UNIFRAC distance matrix method. Since NCI will be using data previously received from the University of Colorado, no other laboratory can produce results that are compatible in a data study for the fluidity of the experiment. This is not a solicitation for competitive quotations. However, if any interested party believes they can meet the above requirement, they may submit a statement of capabilities. All information furnished must be in writing and must contain sufficient detail to allow the NCI to determine if it can meet the above unique specifications described herein. An original and one copy of the capability statement must be received in the NCI Office of Acquisitions on or before 11:00 AM EST on August 29, 2013. No electronic capability statements will be accepted (i.e. email or fax), an original and one copy must be sent to the NCI Office of Acquisitions at the address stated above. All questions must be in writing and can be faxed +1 (555) 000-0000 or emailed to Erin Breedlove, Contract Specialist at contact@example.gov. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed contract based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. In order to receive an award, contractors must have valid registration and certification in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) www.ccr.gov and the Online Representations and Certifications Applications (ORCA), http://orca.bpn.gov. No collect calls will be accepted. Please reference solicitation number NCI-130121-EB on all correspondence.