Circadian Rhythm Tracking and Data Analysis

HHS-NIH-NIDA-SSSA-PSOL-2017-736 TITLE: Circadian Rhythm Tracking and Data Analysis PRE-SOLICITATION NOTICE OF INTENT INTRODUCTION PURSUANT TO FAR Subpart 5.2-Synopses of Proposed Contract Actions, THIS IS A PRE-SOLICITATION NOTICE OF A PROPOSED CONTRACT TO ACTION. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), Station Support Contracts and Simplified Acquisitions Branch (SS/SA) on behalf of the National Institute on Mental Health (NIMH) intends to negotiate and award a purchase order for Circadian Rhythm Tracking and Data Analysis. EXTENT OF COMPETITION This acquisition is full and open with no set-aside restrictions. NORTH AMERICAN INDUSTRY CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (NAICS) CODE The intended procurement is classified under NAICS code 541990 -- All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services with associated business size standard $15,000,000. REGULATORY AUTHORITY The resultant contract will include all applicable provisions and clauses in effect through the Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2005-94,2005-95 / 01-19-2017. This acquisition is conducted under the procedures as prescribed in the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 13-Simplified Acquisition Procedures at an amount not expected to exceed the Simplified Acquisition Threshold inclusive of options. DESCRIPTION OF REQUIREMENT Project Description The Section on Light and Circadian Rhythms' aim is to understand the development and role of atypical mammalian photoreceptors, melanosin-containing retinal ganglion cells, in non-image forming (NIF) visual functions. These functions include circadian photoentrainment, pupillary light reflex, sleep, and direct light effects on behavior. We will also explore the effects of light on learning, memory, and mood and the mechanism by which light activiates the melanopsin-containing cells. The main common tool used in all these studies is genetically mutated animal lines. Purpose and Objectives The purpose of this acquisition is to procure thirty (30) animal lines as double or triple mutant lines to record circadian rhythmic data retrieved from animal specimens based on their behaviors when exposed to both light and dark environments. These services are needed to directly replicate certain aspects of our existing research. We are currently unable to perform the services being requested due to the lack of laboratory and facility space in addition to constraints on the number of animals and the housing of these specimens would require to fulfill specific aspects in support of our research. The Contractor shall: 1. Provide the husbandry and breeding service for 30 double or triple mutant animal lines. 2. Conduct genotyping for 30 double or triple mutant animal lines. The cost of PCR reagents will be included in this service order. 3. Precisely control and manage special lighting conditions as directed by the NIH. 4. Collect mouse wheel-running and body temperature data from 30 mutant lines under each special lighting condition designed for different circadian experiment. 5. Conduct multiple behavioral tests using 30 mutant animal lines under special lighting conditions as directed by the NIH. 6. Collect actogram data sets and animal specimens from each support task performed for further analysis. 7. Conduct routine immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization and sequencing procedures on the animal specimens collected from these support task performed. The contractor shall provide for all reagents (for example antibodies, fluorescent probes, et al.) associated with this requirement. Period of Performance The anticipated period of performance for this requirement will be effective on or around September 30, 2017 through September 29, 2018. The Government contemplates a firm fixed price purchase order. CLOSING STATEMENT The solicitation will be issued on or about 09/08/2017 and bids or proposals will be tentatively due about 7 days after the solicitation release date. Potential offerors may request a copy of the solicitation from the Contract Specialist, Zenab Chowdhry, electronically at and must reference the solicitation number HHS-NIH-NIDA-SSSA-PSOL-2017-736 on your electronic request. FAX requests are not accepted.