Global Metabolomics Study

NOTICE OF INTENT TO SOLE-SOURCE This contract action is for the acquisition of services for which the Government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source under the authority and procedures of Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subpart 13.106-1(b). The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), Office of Acquisitions (OA) intends to award a single source purchase order to Metabolon Inc., 617 Davis Dr. Suite 400, Morrisville, NC 27560-7171 for the metabolomics analysis of cells in cultured that have different ability to handle mitochondrial calcium. The Division of Intramural Research (DIR), Genomic Integrity & Structural Biology Laboratory's (GISBL), goal of this project is to determine the metabolites that are differentially enriched in two distinct cell culture models of disrupted mitochondrial calcium homeostasis. This work is part of a larger effort to understand, mechanistically, how mitochondria affects epigenetics from a metabolic stand point. It has been determined that Metabolon Inc., is the only source that can perform the required services, as they have developed the technology to quickly identify and measure most of the metabolites in a biological sample. Metabolon's unique informatics systems, refined methods and extensive chemical reference library of more than 4,000 known and 8,000 novel metabolites produce the highest and most precise coverage of any metabolomics platform. Metabolon also has unique lipidomics capabilities with the only complex lipid platform that delivers complete and quantitative coverage of all the major classes of complex lipids. The anticipated period of performance will be for six (6) months, from date of award. The associated North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) code for this procurement is 541380 "Laboratory Testing (except medical, veterinary) Services". Its associated Small Business Size Standard is $15,000,000.00. Line Item 0001 - Global Metabolomics Study; Quantity: 35 Samples ATPIF1 cells are HEK293 in which this gene, which is an inhibitor of the mitochondrial ATP synthase, was deleted; they also carry an inducible transgene that progressively depletes the mtDNA over a period of 9 days. Samples are collected at days 0 (full mtDNA present), 3, 6 and 9. All comparisons should be made to day 0. In this model, mitochondrial calcium levels should be maintained over time, despite mtDNA loss. Metabolon Inc., will process and analyze specimens supplied by the government using the DiscoveryHD4 Platform [Evans, A. M. , et al. Analytical chemistry 81, 6656-6667 (2009); Evans, A. M., et al. Metabolomics 2153-0769 (2014).; Evans, A. M., et al. Metabolomics 2 (2012); DeHaven, C.D., et al. in Metabolomics. (ed. U. Roessner, lnTech, 2012); and DeHaven, C.D., et al. J Cheminform 2, 9 (2010)], designed and optimized to detect and identify the small molecule metabolites of over 60 different chemical classes in a wide array of sample matrices (e.g. plasma, serum, urine, CSF, tissues, plant). This platform combines four different ultra-high performance liquid chromatography/tandem accurate mass spectrometry (UHPLC/MS/MS) methods with peak identification, deconvolution, and metabolite identification based on Metabolon's "chemical intelligence" workflow, based on a chemical reference library of more than 4,000 known and 8,000 novel metabolites. Output data is to be curated, analyzed and imported into Metabolon's pathway analysis environment- the Metabolync cloud-based client portal - for intuitive and insightful interpretation. NIEHS will solicit and negotiate directly with Metabolon Inc., and no solicitation will be issued. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals or quotations; however, if an interested party believes they can meet the above requirement, all responsible sources may submit a quotation which shall be considered by the agency. The quotation must be submitted in writing and must contain material in sufficient detail to allow the Government to determine if the party can perform the requirement. Offerors must have an active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) www.sam.gov. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed requirement based on responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. All interested parties must express their interest or quotation in writing via email to hugo.alcantara@nih.gov within ten (10) days after the date of publication of this notice. No faxed documents will be accepted. If no responsive statements or quotations are received within ten (10) days, an award will be made to Metabolon Inc.