Molecular Epidemiology Assay Support (MEAS)

THIS IS A NOTICE OF INTENT, NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL. A SOLICITATION DOCUMENT WILL BE ISSUED ON A LATER DATE. Title: Molecular Epidemiology Assay Support (MEAS) The mission of the Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics (DCEG) National Cancer Institute (NCI) is to conduct population and multidisciplinary research to discover the genetic and environmental determinants of cancer and new approaches to cancer prevention. Many of the studies undertaken by the Division include analyses performed using human biological specimens obtained through family and population-based collection efforts. For approximately thirty (30) years DCEG investigators have been relying on contract services to provide technical assistance in the areas of specimen collection, receipt, processing and in identifying laboratories to perform state-of-the-art testing using high quality biological specimens collected from clinical and field sites. The purpose of this project is to provide support services for studies on the genetic and other cellular events which influence the onset of different types of cancer. Specifically, the Contractor will provide support services for: 1) the procurement, storage and shipment of specimen collection supplies and equipment to international and domestic specimen collection sites and other specimen testing and processing locations; 2) performance of state-of-the-art molecular assays and monitor laboratory performance; and 3) to prepare specimens for transport to testing laboratories by aliquotting, labeling and batching, as needed. Residual specimens will be sent to the NCI Central Repository for long-term storage. The Contractor shall furnish services, qualified personnel, material, equipment, including secure computers, and facilities, to provide support services to DCEG studies in the areas of receipt and processing of predominantly previously frozen human biospecimens, aliquotting of biospecimens and batching samples for dissemination to laboratories for testing, the ability to identify state-of-the-art laboratories to perform testing, the ability to monitor the performance of laboratory testing, and temporary storage of biospecimens until they are ready to be transferred to the NCI Central Repository in Frederick, Maryland. Some of the major activities the Contractor will be required to be performed are: 1) Provide, prepare and transport appropriate supplies, equipment and procedures for collecting, processing, testing and aliquotting biospecimens to designated field sites, processing and testing centers as directed by the COR. The Contractor shall provide supplies for the shipment of specimens back to the Contractor or other designated facility by the COR. 2) Perform aliquotting of previously frozen biospecimens (e.g., sera, plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells, urine, feces, saliva/buccal cells, and tumor tissue) as requested by the COR or the NCI Principal Investigator. 3) Perform molecular assays in support of DCEG epidemiology studies. 4) Maintain an interim repository for the storage of human biospecimens and environmental samples (e.g., water and soil samples) that are either destined to be sent to laboratories for testing, are to be aliquotted, or are waiting to be returned to the NCI Central Repository for long-term storage. The total number of specimens is expected to be less than 20,000 and shall be stored in -80'C mechanical freezers. Some +4 - C and ambient storage (less than 15 cubic feet) for both environments combined may also be needed. 5) The Contractor shall utilize the Biological Specimen Inventory (BSI) System (www.bsisystems.com) used by DCEG biospecimen repositories to track and control the acquisition, storage, requisition, and distribution of biospecimens. The incumbent contract is entitled, " Molecular Epidemiology Assay Support" awarded to PPD Vaccines and Biologics LLC under contract number HHSN261201100105C. The services will be acquired through full and open competitive procedures under NAICS 541380. It is anticipated that one IDIQ contract may be awarded beginning on or about February 7, 2017 with a five (5) year period of performance. The RFP will be available electronically at a later date and may be accessed through FedBizOpps at www.fbo.gov. WE ENCOURAGE ALL RESPONSIBLE SOURCES, PARTICULARLY SMALL BUSINESSES, TO 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 OFFEROR'S RESPONSIBILITY TO MONITOR THE ABOVE MENTIONED SITE FOR THE RELEASE OF THE SOLICITATION AND ANY AMENDMENTS.