The National Cancer Institute (NCI), Hormonal and Reproductive Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, plans to conduct a microRNA analysis on 374 samples using the NanoString Human v2 miRNA expression assay to compare microRNA profiles between esophageal adenocarcinoma and Barrett's esophagus FFPE tissues collected within the EET-BE Study with John Hopkins MI Deep Sequencing and Microarray Core, 733 North Broadway, Room 359, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA. This procurement will be processed in accordance with simplified acquisitions procedures as stated in FAR Part 13 13.106-1(b)(1) and is exempt for the requirements of FAR Part 6. The North American Industry Classification System code is 541380, and the business size standard is $14 million. Only one award will be made as a result of this solicitation. This will be awarded as a firm fixed price type contract. It has been determined there are no opportunities to acquire green products or services for this procurement. The period of performance shall be from the date of award for twelve months. The National Cancer Institute (NCI), Hormonal and Reproductive Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, in a previous study, assessed microRNA signatures of esophageal adenocarcinoma compared with Barrett's esophagus using formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) material, in which NCI detected a statistically significant candidate signature that appears to delineate between these two disease stages. As a result, the NCI/Hormonal and Reproductive Epidemiology Branch plans to conduct an additional microRNA analysis on 374 samples using the NanoString Human v2 miRNA expression assay to compare microRNA profiles between esophageal adenocarcinoma and Barrett's esophagus FFPE tissues collected within the EET-BE Study. The contractor will perform an optimization pilot consisting of 24 samples to determine the optimal quantity of starting material and confirm sample quality. The run-in will consist of 24 samples taken from 8 FFPE tissue specimens (4 Barrett's and 4 esophageal adenocarcinomas; 2 biopsy and 2 EMR of each). Three quantities of 10 micron slices will be evaluated from each FFPE tissue specimen; 1 slice, 2 slices, and 3 slices. These sample sizes were selected given that a 40-micron biopsy FFPE preparation is towards the maximum that Qiagen RNeasy FFPE kit can process, coupled with evidence that suggests as little as 10 microns can be used for RNA extraction and NanoString analysis without significant loss of signal intensity. The assay to be used will be the Nanostring Human v2 miRNA expression assay which can digitally quantitate up to 800 different microRNAs in a single reaction without the need for amplification. A sole source to John Hopkins Deep Sequencing and Microarray Core Facility is intended for this order; based on the fact it is the only known laboratory with the NanoString nCounter platform and expertise to perform the miRNA profiling assay using the Human v2 miRNA expression assay, which accurately profiles up-to 800 human miRNAs. The John Hopkins laboratory can provide both highly quality miRNA extraction from the FFPE tissue provided and analyze samples on the Human v2 miRNA expression assay at the same facility, and have demonstrated experience of similar analyses through several peer-reviewed publications. In addition, NCI wishes to combine the new results with its previous analysis that was also conducted by the same laboratory. In order to eliminate lab-to-lab variability, NCI believes it is extremely important to conduct this second analysis at the same laboratory. This will provide additional confidence when NCI pool the datasets to assess these associations in a combined analysis. This is not a solicitation for competitive quotations. However, if any interested party, especially a small business 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, July 18, 2014. 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 Gwennifer Epps, Contracting Officer 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) and the Online Representations and Certifications Applications (ORCA), through sam.gov. No collect calls will be accepted. Please reference solicitation number N02CP42567-83 on all correspondence.
