R -- Mutli-Disciplinary Investigations of Nutrition and Cancer

The Nutritional Epidemiology Branch (NEB), National Cancer Institute (NCI) is seeking to establish a new contract with an organization highly-experienced in providing technical support services for both methodologic and substantive research projects in the nutritional epidemiology of cancer. The objective of this proposed contract is to provide scientific services in support of this research program. The two areas of emphasis in which the NEB scientists are proposing this Support Services Contract (SSC) will support are Methodologic Research in Nutritional Assessment; and Prospective Studies. Under these two main areas of emphasis, the SSC will serve the following purposes: (1) Support of ongoing epidemiologic studies; (2) Support of a new large-scale feasibility study; (3) rapid implementation of support for pilot substudies necessary in the planning of new Branch research initiatives; (4) development of new dietary assessment tools; (5) Creation of new nutritional composition data bases; (6) Support of biomarker development for improving and evaluating self-report dietary assessment instruments; (7) Rapid and cost-effective identification of and subcontracting with experts in nutritional biomarker analysis; and (8) Facilitation of international agreements and contractual arrangements. The scientific design and oversight of the research projects are the responsibility of the NEB. Support services provided by the contract include the following activities: developing liaisons with local and international organizations and individuals whose cooperation is needed for the conduct of the studies; design and pilot testing of forms required for field investigations (e.g., questionnaires, abstracting forms, coding forms, manuals for field procedures, and other documents); hiring, training, and supervision of field personnel (interviewers, abstractors, and others); identifying study subjects; supervising and managing field operations; collecting required data; entering and tracking data for biologic specimens; data processing activities (e.g., coding, keying, and editing); and maintaining quality control and standardization for producing appropriate and valid data. It is anticipated that an incrementally-funded, cost-reimbursement, term type (level of effort) contract will be awarded for a five-year period of performance. The estimated level of effort for this contract is 35,000 hours. The anticipated date of release of the Request for Proposal (RFP) is 15 days from the posting of this announcement. Proposals will be due approximately 30 calendar days following release of the RFP. All responsible sources may submit a proposal that shall be considered by the National Cancer Institute. Award of this project is anticipated by May 30, 2007. No collect calls will be accepted.