The National Cancer Institute (NCI), Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics Branch (DCEG), Hormonal and Reproductive Epidemiology Branch (HREB) plans to procure on a sole source basis the analysis of (9) sex-steroid hormones and SHBG (10 analytes) from Bioanalytical Services, Laval University, Canada, CHUQ Research Center, 2705, boul. Laurier, room T3-48, Quebec, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada. This acquisition will be processed in accordance with simplified acquisitions procedures as stated in FAR Part 13 13.106-1(b)(1) and is exempt for the requirements of FAR Part 6. The North American Industry Classification System code is 541380 and the business size standard is $14.0 million. Only one award will be made as a result of this solicitation. This will be awarded as a firm fixed price type contract. It has been determined there are no opportunities to acquire green products or services for this procurement. Note: The period of performance shall be for twelve months from date of award. The Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics (DCEG) is a research program of the National Cancer Institute (NCI), one of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The Division is the world's most comprehensive cancer epidemiology research group. The Hormonal and Reproductive Epidemiology Branch (HREB), is a program within DCEG, which conducts research to identify groups at high risk of cancer, clarify the natural history of various cancers, understand the interactive effects of genetic and environmental factors on cancer risk, and elucidate biologic mechanisms of carcinogenesis. To identify risk factors for hormonally-related tumors, HREB assess: reproductive and family history, endogenous hormones, exogenous hormones (oral contraceptives and menopausal hormones), hormonal correlates of risk, and conditions related to marked hormonal perturbations, such as infertility and endometriosis. This one year procurement will measure sex steroid hormones and SHBG in 572 plasma samples using a combination of gas chromatography- mass spectrometry (GC-MS), liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MSMS) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) assays, and compare these levels between Barrett's esophagus cases, esophageal adenocarcinoma cases, and matched controls. This analysis will be based in the Factors INfluencing the Barrett's Adenocarcinoma Relationship (FINBAR) Study and will include 177 male esophageal adenocarcinoma cases, 178 male Barrett's esophagus patients, and 187 male general practice list controls with plasma. The quality control samples will be composed of 5% of the total which is 30. Thus, in total, there will be 572 serum samples, each of at least 0.6 ml volume to be used for quantitation of the following sex steroid hormones and protein: i. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) using GC-MS ii. Androst-5-enediol (Delta-5diol) using GC-MS iii. Androstenedione (4-dione) using GC-MS iv. Testosterone (T) using GC-MS v. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) using GC-MS vi. Androsterone (ADT) using GC-MS vii. Estrone (E1) using GC-MS viii. Estradiol (E2) using GC-MS ix. Androsterone glucuronide using LC-MSMS x. 3-androstanediol-17 glucuronide using LC-MSMS xi. 3-androstanediol-3 glucuronide using LC-MSMS xii. DHEA-sulfate using LC-MSMS xiii. Estrone sulfate using LC-MSMS xiv. Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG; protein) using ELISA Laval University is the only known laboratory that can quantitate these 13 sex steroid hormones and SHBG using gold standard technologies (GC-MS or LC-MSMS for each hormone analyte, and ELISA for SHBG) using a total volume of just 0.6 ml of plasma per patient, with coefficients of variations less than 10% for each analyte, and have demonstrated experience of such analyses though several peer-reviewed publications. In addition, NCI wishes to combine these new results with previous analysis that was also conducted at this laboratory. In order to eliminate lab-to-lab variability, the best use of the government funds would be to conduct this second analysis at the same laboratory. This will provide additional confidence when NCI pool the datasets to assess these associations in a combined analysis. This is not a solicitation for competitive quotations. However, if any interested party especially small business, believes they can meet the above requirement, they may submit a capability statement, proposal, or quotation which will be considered by the agency. 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. Reponses must be received in the NCI Office of Acquisitions on or before 11:00 AM EST on, April 22, 2014. All responses and questions must be in writing and can be faxed to
+1 (555) 000-0000 or emailed to Gwennifer Epps, 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 Central Contractor Registration (CCR) and the Online Representations and Certifications Applications (ORCA), through sam.gov. No collect calls will be accepted. Please reference solicitation number N02CP46031-83 on all correspondence.
