mRNA expression among workers exposed to diesel exhaust and controls.

The National Cancer Institute (NCI), Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch (DCEG) plans to procure on a sole source basis to Boston University, Trustees of Boston University, 85 E. Newton Street, M-921, Boston, MA 02118 for mRNA expression among workers exposed to diesel exhaust and controls. This acquisition will be processed in accordance with the simplified acquisition procedures as authorized by FAR Part 13.106-1 (b) (1) and is exempt from the requirements of FAR part 6. The North American Industry Classification System Code is 541380 and the business size standard is 500 employees. 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 will be 12 months from award. Diesel engines are used in automobiles, generators, light-duty and heavy-duty vehicles as well as railroad locomotives. When diesel fuel burns in an engine, the resulting exhaust is made up of soot and gases representing thousands of different chemical substances. Approximately 90% of the soot consists of -1um diameter particles that can be inhaled and deposited in the lungs. Diesel exhaust contains 20-100 times more particles than gasoline exhaust. These particles carry absorbed cancer causing substances such as nitro polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (nitro-PAH)'s. Messenger RNAs (mRNSs) are involved in the regulation of gene transcription and expression. The regulated expression of mRNA may be important for cancer etiology. For example, one micro RNA (m iRNA) can regulate multiple miRNA targets, and one target mRNA may be regulated by sequences. Therefore, evaluating mRNA expression profiles in lung tissue or in tissue that can act as a surrogate (e.g., nasal tissue) may contribute to NCI's understanding of mRNA expression among workers exposed to diesel exhaust and controls. Ultimately, this effort will aid in elucidating the biological effects associated with diesel exhaust exposures. The contractor shall perform the following tasks for nasal swabs which were collected from 109 subjects by the Government as follows: - Log the receipt of biologic samples in a MS Excel file including the information of ID and date of receipt - Extract mRNA from nasal swabs collected from 109 subjects. - Evaluate quality of the extracted mRNA, and select high quality mRNA samples - Perform whole-genome mRNA expression scan on high quality mRNA samples. - Perform relevant data analysis on expression scan data - Report problems in the analysis of samples to the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) within three days of occurrence The Boston University, Trustees of Boston University is the only known institute in the world that developed a protocol to noninvasively collect and preserve samples from the nasal airways and mouth. The contractor has successfully analyzed whole genome mRNA expression array in these types of samples as well as have shown that mRNA expression patterns in these types of tissue which are similar to what is observed in lung tissue. Boston University has applied this methodology to the analysis of nasal swabs collected from populations exposed to other air exposures that affect the lung. It is critical that samples from the diesel biomarker study are analyzed in the same lab to insure scientific comparability of the results. Therefore, Boston University, Trustees of Boston University is the only known institute to NCI that can perform the required tasks. This is not a solicitation for competitive quotations. However, if any interested party, especially a small business, believes they can meet the above requirement, they may submit a statement of capabilities and or quote. All information furnished must be in writing and must contain sufficient detail to allow the NCI to determine if it can meet the above specifications described herein. A copy of the capability statement must be received in the NCI Office of Acquisitions on or before 11:00 AM EST on August 27, 2015. Electronic capability statements will be accepted (i.e. email or fax. All questions must be in writing and can be faxed to (240) -276-5401 or emailed to Kathy Elliott, 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 System for Award Management (SAM) via www.sam.gov. No collect calls will be accepted. Please reference solicitation number N02CP52646-61on all correspondence.