Microarrays

The John D. Dingell Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center intends to negotiate a sole source procurement with Wayne State University, Division of Molecular Medicine and Genomics for microarrays. The proposed contract action is for purchase of microarrays needed to investigate the hypothesis that Osteonectin, TIMP-1 and Intelectin gene expressions are markers of malignant transformation of mesothelial cells to mesothelioma, which will help define the prognosis of patients with MPM, and influence pathways associated with the pathogenesis of mesothelima. A preliminary data set has already been identified utilizing the Wayne State Molecular Laboratory. The results provided a molecular signature of twenty-seven genes that could distinguish survival outcome of twenty-one mesothelioma patient tumor samples. It is imperative to the research study's accuracy that the same microarray chip methodology and hybridization conditions be utilized in further studies to achieve significance in the correlations of clinical parameters with the prognostication of these patient samples. The government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source under authority of FAR 6.302-1(a)(2)(i)(A). All FAR provisions and clauses may be reviewed and/or obtained from the General Service Internet address: http://www.arnet.gov/far. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals. No solicitation documents will be issued. All information shall be furnished at no cost or obligation to the government. A determination by the government not to compete this proposed contract, based upon responses received, is solely the discretion of the government. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. Firms that believe they can meet the VA's requirements must submit proof to the Contracting Officer no later than Sept 27, 2004.