Conduct culture slide preparation and chromosome painting on blood samples of non-human primate. The peripheral blood shall be cultured according to current methodology for lymphocytes of the rhesus monkey. Culture of the blood shall occur within two (2) days of receipt of the blood. The chromosome (metaphase cells) shall be stained by appropriate chromosome painting methodology to reveal the presence of chromosome translocations or complex rearrangements. The entire metaphase cell may not undergo painting due to the combination of probes used to paint the chromosomes. It will be necessary for the successful contractor to determine the percentage of the genome that has been painted, determine what constitutes a cell equivalent, and analyze the appropriate number of cell equivalents per sample to insure that the equivalent of 50 metaphase cells are analyzed (lymphocyte culture per animal per time point) in order to provide sufficient numbers of cells for statistical analysis. Up to thirty (30) samples will need to be analyzed at one time-point and there will be 2 to 5 time-points. Selection criteria for awarding a contract will include: Documented Experience - (1) Experience in the successful application of chromosome painting methods to the detection of chromosome translocations in human and/or non-human primates; (2) The use of chromosome painting methods in the analysis of the effects of potential toxicants on the frequency of chromosome translocations. Technical Expertise of the Principal Investigator – (1) His/her publication record and curriculum vitae (CV); (2) ASHG board certification in clinical cytogenetics, or (3) Documented experience within an industrial research situation. Technical Expertise of Support Staff – (1) Lymphocyte culture and metaphase preparation, (2) Chromosome painting, and (3) The analysis of chromosome aberrations in painted chromosoms. Evidence of the capacity to perform the analysis within the prescribed time frame (staffing plan). The proposed research approach for the analysis of chromosome translocation frequency. And Past Performance. The applicable North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 541380 and the size standard is $10.0 million. The request for proposal will be available on or about November 30, 2005 on the FedBizOpps website at http://www.fedbizopps.gov. Prospective offerors are responsible for downloading the solicitation and any/all amendments. It is the offeror’s responsibility to monitor the FedBizOpps website for the release of the solicitation and amendments. Offers are due by 2:00 p.m. on December 30, 2005. A fixed price, indefinite delivery contract is contemplated to be awarded by February 24, 2006. We anticipate award of a one year contract with a one-year option period. *****

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