Metabolic Epidemiology Branch Support Services

Title: Metabolic Epidemiology Branch Support Services The Metabolic Epidemiology Branch (MEB) in the Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics (DCEG) of National Cancer Institute (NCI) is re-competing a full and open contract for support services for feasibility projects, pilot studies, methodologic studies, specialized tasks in large scale studies, full scale support for cross-sectional, cohort, and case-control studies. Purpose and Objectives A major objective of DCEG is to identify and understand mechanisms of carcinogenesis. Studies within MEB focus on the role of nutrition, energy balance, hormones, and metabolism in cancer etiology through population-based epidemiologic studies. MEB research relies heavily on large prospective cohort studies, but the portfolio includes targeted case-control, cross-sectional, and case series analyses as needed. These studies are carried out in environments that are optimal for achieving scientific goals and may include special high-risk populations. To achieve its goals, MEB's approach has been to (1) integrate risk factor information with many different biologic markers into interdisciplinary molecular epidemiologic investigations to understand a variety of exposures as related to multiple cancers and gain insights into mechanisms that mediate risk factors; (2) sub-divide tumors into etiologically and prognostically distinct entities; (3) examine natural history of and progression for cancer precursors; (4) address rapidly emerging issues in cancer epidemiology through novel investigations of poorly understood risk factors and under-studied cancers; and (5) assist in training the next generation of molecular epidemiologists. The philosophical focus of MEB research is to conduct high-impact epidemiologic studies that relate carefully defined exposure assessments to specific outcomes to provide new insights into cancer etiology, hormonal carcinogenesis, and to investigate the roles of diet, body size, and physical activity and their mechanisms of action including intermediate biologic markers. Molecular approaches play a critical and increasingly important role in MEB research. Approximately twenty-eight studies will likely receive support under the contract. Project Requirement This support services contract is essential for MEB to conduct high-impact epidemiologic studies that integrate risk factor information with many different biologic markers to provide new insights into cancer etiology and mechanisms of action. The NCI/MEB requires the assistance of an organization highly experienced in providing technical support for all phases of epidemiologic studies, including support for pilot and feasibility efforts to assess capabilities for launching multidisciplinary studies, development of precise methods of defining exposures to identify new causes of cancer and to adequately characterize the shape of the exposure-response relationship, and to understand the interaction of genetic and environmental factors related to cancer risk. Thus, the support services contractor will need to provide staff with high quality logistical skills, knowledge of epidemiological studies and diverse biological specimens, and appreciation of specimen collection and handling requirements to enable technologically sophisticated assay development and performance. The contractor will establish a mechanism to provide all the services required to conduct a wide variety of domestic and international (case-control, cohort, cross-sectional, pilot, and feasibility) studies. The contractor shall perform the activities described in the Statement of Work. This work is currently being conducted under contract HHSN261201300016C held by Westat, Inc. The services will be acquired through full and open competitive procedures under NAICS 541990. It is anticipated that a cost-plus-fixed-fee type contract may be awarded on or about November 30, 2018. The RFP is available electronically and may be accessed through the FedBizOpps at www.fbo.gov. All responsible sources may submit a proposal which will be considered by the Agency. This notice does not commit the Government to award a contract. No collect calls will be accepted. No facsimile or email transmissions will be accepted. IT IS THE OFFERORS RESPONSIBILITY TO MONITOR THE ABOVE MENTIONED SITE FOR THE RELEASE OF THE SOLICITATION AND ANY AMENDMENTS.