Procurement of Consulting Services for Deveopment of Algorithms

Description The National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the Radiation Biology Branch (RBB), Center for Cancer Research (CCR), plans to on a sole source basis consulting services to develop analytical tools for image formation and reconstruction in Physiological Imaging using Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) at 300MHz by T1 mapping, algorithms for image reconstruction of CW acquisition on Rapid Scan EPRI, and algorithms for functional mapping MRI data with GenEpria Consulting, Inc., 10015 Old Columbia Road, Columbia, MD 21046. This acquisition will be processed under FAR Part 12 - Acquisition for Commercial Items and will be made pursuant to the authority in FAR Part 13.106-1 (b)(1) using simplified acquisition procedures for commercial acquisitions. The North American Industry Classification System Code is 541690 and the business size standard is $15.0 Million. 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 for one year from date of award. It has been determined that there is no opportunity to acquire green products or services under this contract. The purpose of this acquisition is to obtain analytical tools for image formation and reconstruction in Physiological Imaging using Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) at 300MHz by T1 mapping, algorithms for image reconstruction of CW acquisition on Rapid Scan EPRI, and algorithms for functional mapping MRI data. The Contractor shall prepare: 1. Algorithm for Tl based oximetry by OMRI using Oxo71 probe. 2. Algorithm to evaluate the choice of T1 measurement pulse schemes for EPRI at 400 MHz to map oxygen. 3. Algorithm to evaluate frequency dependence of T1 and T2* maps by EPRI. 4. Algorithms for image reconstruction of Rapid Scan EPRI, and Co-registration with other modalities. 5. Algorithms for functional mapping of MRI data and support. 6. Algorithms for Oximetry by Projection Reconstruction Spectral Spatial EPR Imaging (PRSSI) for CW spectrometer. 7. Algorithms for Oximetry by Constant Time Special Spatial EPR Imaging (CTSSI) for CW spectrometer. The Contractor shall orient the RBB users on the general architecture of algorithms developed based on the input provided by the users in an interactive fashion. The Contractor shall also provide graphics user interfaces to simplify the software applications and to provide trouble shooting guidance by phone, email, help in the analysis and to support statistical evaluation of the results. The Biophysical Spectroscopy Section of the Radiation Biology Branch (RBB) is involved in developing methods to profile tumors on a physiological basis so that it will allow profiling the tumor microenvironment to choose appropriate treatments and also follow treatment responses at an early stage. In vivo Time-domain EPR imaging methods using narrow-line non-toxic spin probes based on the trityls (triarylmethyl radical) can perform quantitative three-dimensional in vivo oxygen mapping of animal models of different tumor types. NCI has developed a unique and superior oximetric methodology for FT-EPR imaging. NCI has recently implemented CW mode imaging suitable rapid scan methods and data processing techniques to make the measurement more efficient with new strategies. In a different approach to assess the tumor physiology, NCI is studying the metabolite distributions in the tumors in vivo using MRI. GenEpria Consulting Inc. specializes in the development of algorithms for optimization of data acquisition in Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Imaging (EPRI). GenEpria is familiar with the FT-EPR imagers developed by RB, CCR, NCI and has extensive knowledge in FT-EPRI algorithms routinely applied at RBB. GenEpria has the ability to augment additional software features for operation and processing of results. It is important that the contractor provide the required services to maintain consistency and standards with existing data. Thus, the proposed Contractor provides a unique resource that meets the scientific requirement for CCR. NCI knows of no other vendor that can provide the services that meet all of the requirements as specified above. 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 hard copy of the capability statement must be received in the NCI Office of Acquisitions on or before 11:00 AM EST on September 11, 2017. 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 Anita Hughes, Contracting Officer at anhughes@mail.nih.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 N02RC72708-57 on all correspondence.