Data Analysis of Methylation Signals

THIS IS A NOTICE OF INTENT, NOT A REQUEST FOR A PROPOSAL. A SOLICITATION DOCUMENT WILL NOT BE ISSUED AND PROPOSALS WILL NOT BE REQUESTED. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute's (NHLBI) Office of Acquisitions (OA), intends to negotiate and award a purchase order on a noncompetitive sole source basis to Ohio University School of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science, 329 Stocker Center, Athens, Ohio 45701--2979 to provide data analysis of methylation signals for the Genome Technology Branch within the Division of Intramural Research at the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI). General Description: The Ohio University Bioinformatics Laboratory (OUBL) shall analyze DNA methylation data from ovarian tissue samples. There are approximately 7 samples for normal tissue and 7 samples for late stage tumor tissue. Each sample consists of ~24,000 data points. Each data point consists of a gene name, a probe accession number, an intensity value (from 0-1) and a p-value. Bad data are indicated by a high p-value (>0.5). The hypothesis is that late stage ovarian tumor samples have different methylation patterns than normal ovarian samples. To test the hypothesis, the OUBL shall determine which data points represent statistically significant changes. The data shall be - cleaned, i.e., data points with p-values > 0.5 shall be eliminated. The remaining data points shall be analyzed to identify data points which are significantly different in tumor samples than in normal samples. The data points shall be grouped into three categories: (1) no difference, (2) increased methylation in tumor sample, and (3) decreased methylation in tumor sample. Within each group, the data points shall be arranged by chromosomal locations and adjacent regions shall be identified. The period of performance is one month from time of award. The reference number for this notice is NHLBI-PB-(HG)-2009-291-RD. The resultant acquisition will be conducted in accordance with FAR Part 13, Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) and the resultant contract will include all applicable provisions and clauses in effect through the Federal Acquisition Circular 2005-34, July 31, 2009. The total estimated amount of this contract is NOT expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold of $100,000. The sole source determination is based upon the fact that this requirement describes custom analysis of custom data. This analysis cannot be accomplished by other groups in a timely manner. The analysis requires a statistical clustering approach that requires a strong computational infrastructure. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code applicable to this requirement is 611699 and the associated small business size standard is $7.0 million. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals. The resulting acquisition will be entered into pursuant to the acquisition authority set forth in FAR 6.302-1 and 41 U.S.C. 252 (1) and HHSAR 306-302-1. Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. Interested parties may identify their interest and capabilities in response to this requirement. The 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 normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a future competitive procurement. Responses to this announcement, referencing synopsis number NHLBI-PB-(HG)-2009-291-RD may be submitted to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Office of Acquisitions, Procurement Branch, 6701 Rockledge Drive, Suite 6042, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-7902, Attention: Renee Dougherty. Responses may be submitted electronically to Dougherr@nhlbi.nih.gov or ROwens@nhlbi.nih.gov or by FAX to 301.480.3345. Responses will only be accepted if dated and signed by an authorized company representative and received on or before August 17, 2009 at 1:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time (EST).