Specimen Analysis for Whole Transcriptome Shotgun Sequencing

Contracting Office Address Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute, Office of Acquisitions, 6120 Executive Boulevard, EPS Suite 600, Room 6074, Rockville, MD 20852, UNITED STATES. Description The National Cancer Institute (NCI), Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics (DCEG), Infections and Immunoepidemiology Branch (IIB) plans to procure on a sole source basis services from the University of Maryland School of Medicine, Institute of Genome Sciences, 801 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, Maryland to perform whole transcriptome shotgun sequencing characterization. This acquisition will be processed in accordance with simplified acquisition procedures in FAR Part 13.106 (b)(1). The North American Industry Classification System code is 541380 and the business size standard is $12.0 million. Only one award will be made as a result of this solicitation. This will be awarded as a firm fixed price indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity type contract. Period of Performance: Performance shall be for twelve (12) months from date of award. The Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics (DCEG) is an intramural research program of the National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH) that conducts population and multidisciplinary research to discover the genetic and environmental determinants of cancer and new approaches to cancer prevention. IIB is conducting a study to evaluate how the microbiota, which is essential for human health, modulates the risk of cancer. The study will evaluate whether the functions of the microbiota influence the endogenous production of estrogens or other carcinogens. Several mechanisms have been proposed, all of which relate to the expression of the entire complement of genes in the intestinal micorbiome. IIB requires RNA extraction, reverse transcription, cDNA sequencing, and whole transcriptome shotgun sequencing (detection, alignment and semi-quantification of RNA) of fecal microbiota from 20 human fecal samples provided by NCI. Whole transcriptome shotgun sequencing is to be performed using Illumina technology. In addition, complete transcriptome alignment of the sequences is required. Sequencing and fully aligned transcriptome sequence data for a minimum of five (5) and a maximum of twenty (20) samples are to be completed and delivered to NCI by the end of the award period. The Institute of Genome Sciences previously provided whole transcriptome shotgun sequencing and sequence alignment for samples from this same cohort for NCI. Utilizing the Institute of Genome Sciences will maintain data integrity, permit compatibility with extant DNA and protein data, and allow the merging of sample data. This is not a solicitation for competitive quotations. However, if any interested party believes 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 Office of Acquisition on or before 11:00 AM EST on August 24, 2011 11:00 a.m. EST. No electronic capability statements will be accepted (i.e. email or fax) an original and one copy must be sent to the NCI Office of Acquisition to the address stated above. All questions must be in writing and can be faxed (301) 402-4513 or emailed to Terry Galloway, Contract Specialist at gallowaytl@mail.nih.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) www.ccr.gov and the Online Representations and Certifications Applications (ORCA), http://orca.bpn.gov. No collect calls will be accepted. Please reference solicitation number NCI-110150-KW on all correspondence.