Contracting Office Address: Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute, Office of Acquisitions, 9609 Medical Center Drive RM 1E154, Rockville, MD 20892. Description: The National Cancer Institute (NCI), Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics (DCEG), plans to procure on a sole source basis with Metabolon Inc., 617 Davis Dr. Ste 400, Durham, NC 27713 to conduct a replication study of metabolomics and esophageal cancer to identify biomarkers in blood. This acquisition will be processed in accordance with simplified acquisition procedures as stated in FAR Part 13.106-1(b)(1). The North American Industry Classification System code is 541380 and the business size standard is $14 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: Performance shall be for twelve (12) months from date of award. It has been determined there are no opportunities to acquire green products or services for this procurement. The incidence of both esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) and esophagogastric junctional adenocarcinoma (EGJA) has increased rapidly in the U.S. among Whites, while other esophageal cancer histological types have decreased. EAC and EGJA share many clinical, epidemiological and molecular features; however, despite well-established risk factors, the mechanisms by which these factors increase risk of EAC and EGJA are not well understood. This suggests a need to identify biomarkers that may serve as a link to understanding the mechanisms through which established risk factors, such as obesity and smoking, affect risk of EAC and EGJA. Recently, advances in the development of metabolite profiling technologies, or metabolomics, have emerged as a way to comprehensively study metabolism, metabolites and other small molecules in tissues and body fluids. Applications of metabolomic platforms in distinguishing disease states, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes, have shown promise in furthering our understanding of mechanisms of disease. Overall, there is limited data on the relationship between metabolic profiles and risk of EAC or EGJA. To the best of the NCI's knowledge, no studies have attempted a prospective analysis of metabolites in pre-diagnostic samples in relation to EAC or EGJA risk. The NCI will use a method that produces high-throughput results suitable for an epidemiologic study. Liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS) will be used for the detection of metabolites and is ideal for complex biofluids, such as blood. Among other features, MS methods allow for resolution of metabolites and the ability to focus on quantifying a single analyte or a small number of potentially relevant analytes in a biological sample. Results should provide the NCI an inroad into understanding the mechanisms underlying the etiology of EAC and EGJA. The NCI will send 200 blood samples from EAC and EGJA cases and controls. Samples are to be run on both the Liquid Chromatography Mass-Spectrometry (MS) and Gas Chromatography MS platforms, with linkage of raw MS output to named and unnamed biochemicals. The Contractor shall conduct metabolite measurements of 282 known metabolites and provide quantitative results. One aliquot of each serum sample will be shipped from the NCI biorepository to the contractor. At the facilities, 150 ?L serum samples shall be analyzed simultaneously using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) followed by gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy to measure 282 known metabolites. Quantitative metabolite concentrations will be identified from the integrated raw detector counts from the mass spectrometers. Upon completion of specimen measurement and processing, quantitative metabolite concentrations shall be emailed to NCI. This is a replication study. All previous assay work to measure metabolites within the NCI cohort studies have been conducted by Metabolon Inc. For scientific comparability in a replication study, it is critical that the laboratory measurements of these analytes be carried out in the same laboratory and on the same platform. This is not a solicitation for competitive quotations. However, if any interested party, particularly small businesses, believe they can meet the above requirement, they may submit a statement of capabilities. All information furnished must be in writing and must contain sufficient detail to allow the NCI to determine if it can meet the above unique specifications described herein. An original and one copy of the capability statement must be received in the NCI contracting office on or before 11:00 AM EST on August 27, 2013. No electronic capability statements will be accepted (i.e. email or fax); an original and one copy must be sent to the NCI contracting office to the address stated above. All questions must be in writing and can be faxed (240)-276-5401 or emailed to Anh-Huy Nguyen, 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) at www.sam.gov. No collect calls will be accepted. Please reference solicitation number NCI-130122-HN on all correspondences
