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 Genetics 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 mesothelioma. A preliminary data set had been defined utilizing the Wayne State Molecular Laboratory and it's services. The research team now needs to validate and confirm it's findings by analyzing a second set of RNA samples. It is imperative to the research study's accuracy that the same batch/lot of microarrays and hybridization conditions be utilized to achieve significance in the correlation 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 soley 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 April 2, 2003, 3:00PM local time.