NanoSIMS analysis of mitochondrial metabolism in mouse models of neurodegeneration

DESCRIPTION The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) and National Institutes of Health (NIH) is soliciting quotes from qualified Offerors having the demonstrated capability of providing NanoSIMS analysis of mitochondrial metabolism in mouse models of neurodegeneration. BACKGROUND: The Inherited Movement Disorders Unit (IMDU) within NINDS will be conducting a study of in vivo protein and lipid turnover within mitochondria in mouse models of neurodegenerative disease that share defects in mitochondrial quality control. The NanoSIMS 50L instrument has the unique capability of detecting lipid and protein metabolism in individual mitochondria in situ. The IMDU has developed specific methods with the NanoSIMS 50L instrument for the detection of protein turnover in individual mitochondria and other organelles (recently publications include PMIDs 31719114 and 32706155). The IMDU has been studying mitochondrial quality control processes disrupted by mutations in these genes, using mouse and cellular models. The IMDU plans to use the specialized methods developed to continue investigating in vivo lipid and protein turnover within individual mitochondria in mouse models of neurodegenerative disorders utilizing the NanoSIMS 50L instrument. Specifically, IMDU intends to study the loss of mitochondrial quality control results in neurodegeneration and is responsible for some genetic forms of Parkinson's disease, ALS, and myopathy. In particular, mutations in the genes Parkin, PINK1, CHCHD2, and CHCHD10 directly affect mitochondrial quality control and cause neurodegeneration. TECHNICAL REQUIREMENT: Independently and not as an agent of the Government, the IMDU requires a Contractor to furnish the necessary services, qualified personnel, materials, equipment not otherwise provided by the Government, to utilize the methods described above to measure protein and lipid metabolism within single mitochondria in situ, using the NanoSIMS 50L instrument. The NanoSIMS 50L is an instrument that can uniquely detect stable isotope metabolic tracers within tissues, cells, or isolated organelles at a resolution of < 50 nm. Specifically, the IMDU requires the Contractor to measure protein metabolism and turnover within single mitochondria and other organelles in situ to allow for the assessment of in vivo protein and lipid turnover within individual mitochondria in models of neurodegeneration due to loss of mitochondrial quality control. Through this requirement, Contractor shall utilize the novel methods described above to perform NanoSIMS 50L analysis on tissues, cells, and isolated mitochondria and organelle samples prepared by the IMDU to assess protein and lipid metabolism within single mitochondria. In accordance with the novel methodologies identified above, the Contractor shall: Receive samples provided by IMDU (samples are shipped and stored at room temperature). Preparing samples for NanoSIMS analysis, according to the Contractor's standard procedures to maximize the quality of the analysis. Perform analysis and operation of the NanoSIMS 50L equipment by the facility Lab Manager. Preparation and dissemination of data files to IMDU; The Contractor shall provide at least 2 weeks of instrument time per year using the NanoSIMS 50L instrument. KEY PERSONNEL REQUIREMENT: The Contractor shall provide personnel with the necessary skills and level of expertise required to support the tasks listed above. The Key Personnel assigned to this contract must demonstrate the following capabilities and experience: PhD physicist with at least 5+ year experience operating the NanoSIMS 50L instrument. Demonstrate experience with correlated transmission electron microscopy and NanoSIMS analysis. Demonstrated experience measuring protein turnover in single organelles in situ, using 15N labelled amino acids. Demonstrated experience using APEX as a genetically encoded reporter in NanoSIMS analysis. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: NIDA anticipates the award of one (1) firm-fixed-price contract with a base period of one year with four option years. In addition to the options to extend the contract period, option quantities are also anticipated. RFQ No. 75N95021Q00166 will be available electronically on June 8, 2021. Interested vendors can access the detailed RFQ and attachments using the links below. All information and instructions required for the submission of a quote are detailed in the RFQ package. Responses to the RFQ will be due on June 23, 2021, 3:00 P.M. EASTERN. NIDA will consider quotes submitted by any responsible Offeror. This advertisement does not commit the Government to award a contract. Based on market research, the Government is not using the policies contained in FAR Part 12, Acquisition if Commercial Items, in its solicitation for the described supplies or services. However, interested persons may identify to the Contracting Officer their interest and capability to satisfy the Government's requirement with a commercial item within 15 days of this notice.