Support for the Thyroid Cancer and Other Thyroid Diseases in Belarus

The Chornobyl Research Unit (CRU), Radiation Epidemiology Branch (REB), Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics (DCEG), National Cancer Institute (NCI) is seeking to award a follow-on contract to perform registry follow-up work with the Belarus Cancer Registry to provide cohort member's cancer experience. The cohort members, specifically, include children and adolescents (<18 years of age at time of exposure) who had thyroid activity measurements made following the radioiodine fallout from the Chornobyl nuclear plant accident in 1986. The overall objective of this acquisition is to capture critical data on the cancer experience of an exposed population of significant international interest. This will involve utilizing data collected during three cycles of active screening, as well as, the newly instituted registry follow-up based on linkage with the Belarus National Cancer Registry. This acquisition will require the contractor provide the following: (1) fully implement a change from active screening to passive screening working with the Belarus Cancer Registry to provide follow-up of cohort members cancer experience ; (2) perform, in collaboration with the American team, analysis of data from the active and passive screening operations and prepare papers (to be identified by the NCI) to be published in established professional Western journals for worldwide dissemination; (3) generate up to 4 publications, including those dealing with dosimetry, that are acceptable to the American team; (4) develop a proposal for archiving paper copies of interview and clinical forms. The archiving proposal should be designed to insure that both countries have a complete and uniform set of data. Archiving of some ultrasound material may also be required. Archiving work should commence, upon NCI approval; (5) collaborate with Ukrainians and Americans on development of methods for calculating dose uncertainties; and (6) collaborate on preparation of a manuscript on uncertainties in the second generation of dose estimates in Belarus. The Government intends to negotiate a one year contract with one option year with the Republican Research Center of Radiation Medicine and Human Ecology. This sole source follow-on is based on the unique capabilities and qualifications of the Republican Research Center of Radiation Medicine and Human Ecology (RRCRM&HE). These unique capabilities and qualifications include: RRCRM&HE is located in Gomel, Belarus; government mandated that all research related to the Chornobyl accident must go through this organization; and the RRCRM&HE is the sole source of data collected on the cohort of exposed children and adolescents who experienced fallout from the Chornobyl accident. The proposed contract action is for supplies or services for which the Government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source under authority of FAR 6.302. Interested persons may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals. However, all proposals received will be considered by the Government. A determination by the Government not to continue with this proposed contract based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement.