Measure PAH-Related Adduct Concentrations in Blood & Esophageal Tissue Samples

Contracting Office Address Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute, Office of Acquisitions, 6120 Executive Boulevard, EPS Suite 600, Room 6072, Rockville, MD 20852, UNITED STATES. Description The National Cancer Institute (NCI), Division of Cancer Epidemiology & Genetics (DCEG), plans to procure on a sole source bases with Kings College, 150 Stamford St., London SE1 9NH, UK to measure PAH-related adduct concentrations in blood and in esophageal tissue samples. The services herein are being procured in accordance with the simplified acquisition procedures as authorized by FAR Part 13.106-1 (b)(1). The North American Industry Classification System Code is 541690 and the business size standard in $14.0M. Only one award will be made as a result of this solicitation. This will be awarded as a firm fixed price type contract. Period of Performance: Performance shall be for twelve months. It has been determined that there is no opportunity to acquire green products or services under this procurement. Esophageal cancer is the sixth most common cause of cancer death in the world, and 80% of this cancer worldwide is esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Esophageal squamous dysplasia (ESD) is the precancerous lesion of ESCC which can be detected as unstained lesions in endoscopy with Lugol's iodine staining. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) exposure is a consistent risk factor for the development of ESCC. A previous study from our group showed a striking dose-response relationship (adjusted OR=26.6 for the fifth versus first quintile) between the PAH content of non-tumor esophageal biopsies, measured by immunohistochemistry (IHC), and ESCC case status. An alternative non-endoscopic esophageal tissue collection method is sponge sampling, in which a compressed sponge inside a gelatin capsule attached to a string is swallowed and then withdrawn up the esophagus, collecting superficial esophageal cells from the entire length of the esophagus. The contractor shall use 32P-postlabelling to measure PAH-related (aromatic) DNA adduct concentrations in blood, sponge and biopsy samples from Feicheng, China. The laboratory at King's College, London has internationally renowned expertise in the measurement of aromatic DNA adducts using 32P-postlabelling. This laboratory is a pioneer in this assay, and has standardized the method through time. NCI knows of no other source which could measure aromatic PAH-related adducts with the same sensitivity, specificity, throughput, and track record of King's College. In addition, NCI has used this laboratory previously for measurement of PAH-related DNA adduct levels. In order for NCI's results to be comparable with these previous data, NCI must use the same laboratory. 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 9, 2012. 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 Melissa Ward, 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-120140-MW on all correspondence.