The National Cancer Institute (NCI), Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics (DCEG), Hormonal and Reproductive Epidemiology Branch (HREB) plans to procure, on a sole source basis, services for an analysis of 154 samples to compare Non-Endoscopic microRNA Profiles and Barrett's Esophagus, from The Johns Hopkins University, 733 North Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205.

This acquisition will be processed in accordance with simplified acquisitions procedures as stated in FAR Part 13.106-1(b)(1) and is exempt for the requirements of FAR Part 6. The North American Industry Classification System code is 541990, and the business size standard is $15.0 Million.

Only one award will be made as a result of this solicitation. This will be awarded as a firm fixed price type contract. The period of performance shall be 12 months from the date of award. It has been determined there are no opportunities to acquire green products or services for this procurement.

BACKGROUND
In previous studies, DCEG/HREB has assessed microRNA signatures of Barrett's esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma using formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) material procured through endoscopy and DCEG/HREB has detected significant candidate signatures that appear to delineate between disease stages from normal esophageal tissues.

For this requirement, DCEG/HREB's analysis will provide pertinent information as to which miRNA species are up- and down-regulated in non-endoscopic Barrett's esophagus tissue samples compared with non-Barrett's esophagus controls. DCEG/HREB will also assess whether the non-endoscopic specimens differ in their microRNA profile compared with endoscopic biopsy samples. Lastly, DCEG/HREB will check that the non-endoscopic microRNA profile that distinguishes Barrett's esophagus from non-Barrett's esophagus is not a result of contamination of microRNAs specific to the gastric cardia. The overall aim of the project is to identify a microRNA signature from non-endoscopic esophageal samples that can diagnose Barrett's esophagus.

There are two steps for this requirement: the completion of the first half, batch 1, of the NanoString Human v3 miRNA expression assay plates, and completion of the second half, batch 2, of the NanoString Human v3 miRNA expression assay plates; all of which will be from the same manufacturing lot number for all assays used in this project.

TASKS
The Contractor shall:

1. Analyze the miRNA profile of batch 1 NanoString Human v3 miRNA expression assay plates
    • Store received RNA samples at -80°C.
    • Collaborate with NCI on data interpretation and analysis

2. Analyze the miRNA profile of batch 2 NanoString Human v3 miRNA expression assay plates
    • Store received RNA samples at -80°C.
    • Collaborate with NCI on data interpretation and analysis

From DCEG/HREB's extensive survey of hormone laboratories, Johns Hopkins Deep Sequencing and Microarray Core Facility is the only known laboratory with the NanoString nCounter platform to perform and analyze the Human v3 miRNA expression assay, which accurately profiles up to 800 human miRNAs; and can provide extraction of total RNA from FFPE tissue at the same facility.

In addition, DCEG/HREB wishes to combine these new results with DCEG/HREB's previous Barrett's esophagus analysis that was also conducted at this laboratory. In order to eliminate lab-to-lab variability, the best use of Government funds would be to conduct this analysis at the same laboratory. This will provide additional confidence when DCEG/HREB pools 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 needs of the requirement described herein. Reponses must be submitted via email only to Contract Specialist, Megan Kisamore, at [email protected], no later than 11:00 am EST, Monday, August 31, 2015. All questions must be emailed to [email protected]. Capability statements will not be accepted after the due date. 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 System for Award Management (SAM) at www.sam.gov. No collect calls will be accepted. Please reference solicitation number N02CP52692-85 on all correspondence.

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