THE NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH (NIH), National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), Office of Acquisition (OA), for the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) intends to negotiate and award a contract on a sole source noncompetitive basis to the Quest Diagnostics Incorporated 14225 Newbrook Drive, Chantilly, VA 20151, to provide cytogenetic training. General Description The National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), Division of Intramural Research (DIR) was established to serve as a hub where development of technology for the rapid isolation and analysis of disease genes will be carried out. The DIR's basic research laboratories and clinical branches develop and use the most advanced techniques to conduct in research in medical genetics. Research includes identifying and understanding the molecular basis of human genetic disease and planning and carrying out clinical trials to test methods for the treatment. The mission of the DIR, includes the training of physicians and doctoral degree fellows in medical genetics through the Metropolitan Washington, D.C., Medical Genetics Residency Program. The Metropolitan Washington, D.C. Medical Genetics Residency Program is administered by the Office of the Clinical Director (OCD) and is accredited by the American Board of Medical Genetics (AMBG). Requirements for board certification of competency of our trainees include laboratory experiences in both cytogenetics and molecular genetics. To meet these requirements the Medical Genetics Branch and OCD seek nearby institutions to provide these components of training for board certification in Clinical Genetics, Clinical Biochemical Genetics, Clinical Molecular Genetics and Cytogenetics. This institution or group of institutions must also provide the opportunity for trainees to see patients with genetic disorders under the direction of an ABMG board-certified geneticists. The cytogenetic laboratory experience of the trainees must include both performing karyotypes as well as FISH analysis for appropriate genetic disorders; for example Prader-Willi and Angelmann Syndrome, Smith-Magenis Syndrome, DiGeorge/Velocardiofacial Syndrome, Williams Syndrome and others. The laboratory aspect of the training program will need to be conducted in molecular and cytogenetic diagnostic laboratories with equipment and personnel to provide the hand-on experience required for board certification by ABMG. The staff, which must include both ABMG board certified molecular geneticist(s) and ABMG board certified cytogeneticist(s) and a genetic counselor, will be required to train fellows in applicable laboratory techniques and the clinical interpretation and implications of the test results. The staff must also participate in the comprehensive teaching of fellows; including participation in lecture series, journal clubs, and case conferences. A genetic counselor will assist in the training of fellows in the interpretation and genetic implication of tests they are learning to perform in these diagnostic laboratories. Program Objectives The purpose of this requirement is to maintain formal training program sites for the instruction of medical and doctoral fellows as part of the requirements for board certification in Clinical Genetics, Clinical Biochemical Genetics, Cytogenetics and Clinical Molecular Genetics. The goals of the program are: (1) Provide a training facility that will conduct one-month training experiences in cytogenetics for each of NHGRI's Medical Genetics, and Ph.D. Medical Genetics trainees seeking certification in Clinical Biochemical Genetics or Clinical Molecular Genetics. (2) Provide a training facility that will conduct six-month training experiences in cytogenetics for trainees seeking ABMG board certification in Cytogenetics. (3) To provide a genetic counselor to assist in the training of the fellows in the genetic counseling implications of the diagnoses that have been made. (4) To participate in the comprehensive training of all trainees in genetics as part of the Metropolitan Washington, D.C. Medical Genetics Residency Program. Requirements Specifically, each year the training program will enroll up to four (4) medical genetics fellows, two (2) cytogenetics fellows, three (3) biochemical genetics fellows, and three (3) molecular genetics fellows. Each of the medical genetics fellows will spend one (1) month in the cytogenetics laboratory. Cytogenetics fellows will spend up to six (6) months in the respective training laboratories. NHGRI mentors will determine sessions. Track the progress of each fellow to insure that they will have had necessary experience for AMGB certification. The Contractor shall describe procedures needed to successfully train the fellows in required laboratory techniques and the genetic implications of the cytogenetic tests. The Contractor shall arrange to have suitable facilities, which include dedicated space for performance of administrative duties associated with tracking the progress of the medical fellows through the training. The Contractor shall establish and adhere to time lines for (1) providing all the required experiences for board certification with each month period. (2) Evaluating each medical fellow to insure they have a full understanding of all the techniques taught during training experiences. (3) Having sufficient samples submitted to the laboratory so that the Cytogenetics fellows can have first-hand involvement in 150 cases of sufficient variety to qualify for ABMG Board eligibility. The Contractor shall provide to the Project Officer for review and approval, the training personnel qualification's prior to the award of the contract. The period of performance is twelve (12) months from the date of award. The reference number for this notice is NHLBI-PB(HG)-2008-086-KLW. The resultant acquisition will be conducted in accordance with FAR Part 13, Simplified Acquisition Procedures and the resultant contract will include all applicable provisions and clauses in effect through the Federal Acquisition Circular 05-23. The total estimated amount of this contract is NOT expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold of $100,000.00. Market research conducted by the Government in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulations, Part 10 - Market Research, has determined that there are no reasonable expectations of obtaining competitive quotes for this requirement. Therefore, the acquisition is being conducted on a noncompetitive, sole source basis. The intended procurement will be classified under North American Classification System (NAICS) code applicable to this requirement is 541990 and the associated small business size standard is $ 6.5 Million. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals. The resulting acquisition will be entered into pursuant to the acquisition authority set forth in FAR 6.302-1 and 41 U.S.C. 253(c)(1) and HHSAR 306-302-1. Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. Interested parties may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement or submit proposals. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals. However, all proposals received within 45 days after publication of this synopsis will be considered by the Government. Responses to this notice will be reviewed in accordance requirements as specified in the statement of work. 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 normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement.
