UGI Cancer Genetic Studies

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 6076, Rockville, MD 20852, UNITED STATES. Description The National Cancer Institute (NCI), Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics (DCEG), Genetic Epidemiology Branch (GEB) plans to procure on a sole source basis with Shanxi Cancer Hospital and Institute, 3 Zhi Gong Xin Jie, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, 030013, PR China for services regarding UGI cancer genetic studies. 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 541990 and the business size standard is $7 M. Only one award will be made as a result of this solicitation. This will be awarded as a firm fixed price type contract. The period of performance shall be for a base period of twelve (12) months from date of award plus an option period for twelve (12) months. The Genetic Epidemiology Branch designs and conducts interdisciplinary clinical, epidemiologic, genetic, and laboratory studies of persons, families, and populations at high risk of cancer. These investigations identify genes and exposures conferring cancer predisposition, and explore the combined effects of predisposition and specific exposures. Esophageal cancer is the eighth most common cancer in the world and the sixth most common cause of cancer death. As a result of high rates and a large population, over half of all the world's esophageal cancer deaths occur in China. While environmental exposures are responsible for much of esophageal cancer, evidence suggests that genetic factors also play an important role in the etiology of this malignancy, and identification of esophageal cancer susceptibility genes may allow screening of populations to identify persons at particularly high risk who could then be targeted for prevention strategies (eg, chemoprevention or early detection). The purpose of this procurement is to perform follow-up studies based on previous UGI cancer genetic studies. A series of studies were initiated in the 1990s to identify susceptibility genes for cancer of the esophagus as well as gastric cancer (ie, UGI cancers), which share etiologic similarities. Two studies (ie, tumor/nontumor study and case-control study) enrolled newly-diagnosed cases of UGI cancer and obtained risk factor information and biologic samples to identify susceptibility genes and potential early genetic markers for these cancers. A family study was also conducted to evaluate linkage of candidate markers with cancer in families having 2 or more cases with a UGI cancer. The Shanxi Cancer Hospital and Institute (SCHI) is the institution responsible for recruiting and enrolling all subjects in the NCI's collaborative studies of UGI cancer genetics. The SCHI are in possession of the patient identification and medical information, and patient/subject contact information necessary to perform this task. There is no other group, known to the government, capable of performing the work required to complete this vital and cancer status follow-up. 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 Acquisitions on or before 11:00 AM EST on August 22, 2011. 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 Acquisitions to the address stated above. All questions must be in writing and can be faxed (301) 402-4513 or emailed to Karri Mares, Contract Specialist at maresk@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-110143-KM on all correspondences.