Repository for Storage, Monitoring, and Distribution of NICHD Biological Specimens

The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) continues to have a need for storage, monitoring and distributing blood, urine, tissue and other samples collected currently by 53 NICHD research projects. The Division of Epidemiology, Statistics, and Prevention Research (NICHD) intends to negotiate, under the authority of 41 U.S.C. 253( c) (1) and FAR 6.302-1, a modification to its current contract no. HHSN275200900009C entitled "Repository for Storage, Monitoring, and Distribution of NICHD Biological Specimens." There are approximately 4 million vials of biological specimens that have been collected under various research protocols. Adequate storage space will be required for 1,000,000 vials stored at -20 degrees C; 2.6 million vials at -70 degrees C; 160,000 vials stored in Liquid Nitrogen (LN2); and 40,000 samples stored at ambient temperature. The collection currently occupies 13 LN2 freezers, 100 ultra-low freezers and 1 walk-in freezer at -20 degrees C. The following criteria define NICHD's need for the repository. Foremost and of paramount importance, Offerors must have the ability to assume responsibility and maintenance for the entire collection for one month (June 1, 2012-June 30, 2012) without jeopardizing the functionality of the repository and the validity and integrity of all specimens. Specifically, Offerors must have the capacity for the requisite storage space. All storage must be in one central building in order to facilitate daily activities. Building(s) must be equipped with adequate and appropriate monitoring equipment and back-up electrical power source(s). Awarding a new contract would result in unacceptable delays, substantial duplication of effort, and increased costs to the government. This is not a request for proposals. However, if any responsible source believes it can perform the above requirement, they may submit three (3) copies of their capability statement for consideration by the NICHD to: Lynn Salo, Contracting Officer, NICHD, CMB, NIH, 6100 Executive Blvd., Rockville, Maryland 20852 by May 18, 2012, 3:00 PM local time. Phone number 301-435-6962 and fax 301-402-3676. All responses must be received in writing and must contain material in sufficient details to allow the NICHD to determine if the party can perform this requirement. The capability statement will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. A determination by the government not to compete this proposed requirement based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the government. This requirement is defined as code 541712 under the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS).