National Cancer Institute (NCI), Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics (DCEG), Radiation Epidemiology Branch (REB), plans to procure services on a sole source basis for Germline Genetic Variation and Risk of Chromosome Aberrations among Mayak Nuclear Workers with Southern Urals Biophysics Institute, Ozyorskoye shosse 19, Ozyorsk, Chelyabinsk region, 456780, Russia. The supplies and services herein are being procured in accordance with the simplified acquisition procedures authorized in FAR Part 13. The North American Industry Classification System Code is 541990 and the business size standard is $6M. The Radiation Epidemiology Branch (REB) conducts studies regarding the role of radiation exposure in contributing to cancer etiology. REB has been integrally involved in investigations of the health effects of radiation in the Mayak nuclear worker cohort. Workers at the Mayak facility, the first nuclear production plant in the former Soviet Union, were exposed to much higher radiation doses than those received by their counterparts in other countries or considered permissible today. In collaboration with Russian investigators, REB has conducted several studies in this population, including cancer mortality and a clinical thyroid study, and has collected biological samples and published joint manuscripts. The objectives of this procurement is to enroll approximately 350 selected Mayak workers in the study, using an in-person structured interview to solicit information regarding other factors possibly related to SCA frequency; to collect additional information regarding the demographics and work history of participants from existing files. Period of Performance: Base year of twelve (12) months with four (4) optional years. Southern Ural Biophysics Institute is the only source known to the NCI that can provide the services required. The Mayak worker cohort is virtually the only population that has received more than minimal doses. The proposed co-investigators, Drs. Tamara Azizova and Galina Rusinova, have been conducting research within the Mayak cohort for some time, and are recognized experts in the biological effects of high-LET radiation, including plutonium. In conjunction with investigators from Columbia University, they have obtained funding for the extremely expensive project of chromosome aberration assessment for 350 individuals in this population, without which the REB genetic study would not be possible. This is not a request for competitive quotation. However, if any interested party believes it can perform the above requirement, it may submit a statement of capabilities. The statement of capabilities and any other furnished information must be in writing and must contain material in sufficient detail to allow NCI to determine if the party can perform this requirement. Capability statements must be received in the contracting office by 1:00 PM EST, August 23, 2004. If you have any questions they must be submitted in writing to Malinda Holdcraft, Purchasing Agent, at [email protected] or by fax 301-402-4513. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed requirement 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. Solicitation number must be cited on all correspondence, NCI-40126-NG.

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