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The reference number: NHLBI-CSB-(HL)-2011-357-DDC.
Background:
Epigenetics refers to genomic modifications that do not involve alterations in DNA sequence, but are responsible for functional derangements. Epigenetics has emerged as one of the most promising areas of science that will help address sizeable gaps in our understanding of the inheritance of common traits and environmental influences on disease. Epigenetic mechanisms enable cells to respond quickly to environmental changes. Consequently, they provide a link between genes and the environment. It has been proposed that inter-individual variation in the epigenetics modification of genes may explain a larger part of the phenotypic variation observed in humans than differences in genotype alone.
DNA methylation was the first epigenetic element to be identified and is the best characterized. It plays a critical role in the maintenance of cell functions, and alterations in DNA methylation are believed to be pivotal in promoting a variety of diseases. Most of the current knowledge of epigenetics has been generated in animals. It is crucial now to obtain this information in humans, and DNA methylation is an obvious place to start.
Existing knowledge of DNA methylation in humans, especially related to CVD risk, is in its very preliminary stages. The availability of new, high throughput technology and the extensive resources of the Framingham Heart Study and the SABRe CVD Initiative provide a timely, invaluable platform upon which the research can be conducted
Purpose:
This project seeks to characterize DNA Methylation in promoter regions of genes. Studies of DNA Methylation (one element of what is now termed "epigenetics") reveal that DNA Methylation is closely linked to gene expression and it is also a prominent contributor in a variety of complex disorders. The Government proposes to investigate DNA Methylation; with this DNA Methylation data set, the Government will have the ability to study gene regulation from different perspectives. This contract provides the DNA Methylation 450K Methylation chips for these analyses.
Period of Performance: Upon receipt of purchase order ending on June 30th 2012.
Contractor Requirements:
A. The Contractor shall provide high quality DNA methylation product called the Human Methylation 450k DNA analysis Bead Chip with high-value content including:
a. At least 400,000 methylation sites at single nucleotide resolution
b. Includes 3', 5' and promoters regions without bias against those lacking CpG Islands
c. CpG islands and shores
d. Non-CpG methylation sites indentified in human stem cells
e. Disease associated regions identified through GWAS
Government Responsibilities:
A. NHLBI will provide to the Contractor plates with standard concentrations of DNA and identifiers for each plate.
B. NHLBI will provide a list of identifiers for each DNA sample within each plate.
C. Samples will be: buffy coat samples (500 ul) in PBS,
Representing uniform 5-ml initial whole blood equivalents
Reporting Requirements and Deliverables:
A. Isolated DNA will be returned to FHS in 96 well plates-no need for adjustment of DNA concentration
B. All QC data will be provided in tabular format
C. Real time PCR data retuned in compatible format mapped to 96-well plates
Program Management and Control Requirements:
No special management or control systems are required under this contract.
The sole source determination is based on the fact the National Institute of Health (NIH) is the nation's medical research agency and the primary Federal agency conducting and supporting making medical discoveries that improve people's health and save lives. The investigation of DNA Methylation will utilize a new high throughput array (the Illumina 450k Human Methylation DNA Bead Chip) to study DNA methylation sites throughout the genome, while densely targeting promoter regions. The Human Methylation DNA Bead Chip is a new, cutting edge product designed by Illumina with input from an expert consortium of investigators. Prior to using the chip, DNA must be expertly isolated and prepared for analysis. The focus of this contract is to provide these expert DNA Methylation reagents to accompany the provided services.
The BMGC team has had multiple interactions with the Framingham Heart Study genomics lab that currently possess the samples to intricately refine the process of transferring the samples, proper thawing and handling to yield the most materials as well as the process of returning the unused materials to FHS entry back into the FHS archives.
The delivery point is the University of Minnesota:
Kenny Beckman
R507 Children's Rehabilitation
426 Church Street SE
Minneapolis, MN 55108
(612) 626-2985
[email protected]
The notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals. Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements.
Industry Classification (NAICS) Code is 541380, Testing Laboratories with size standard of $12.0M; the small business set-aside does not apply for this requirement.
The acquisition is being conducted under FAR Part 13, simplified acquisition
procedures, therefore the requirements of FAR Part 6 B Competitive Requirements are not applicable (FAR Part 6.001) and the resultant purchase order will include all applicable provisions and clauses in effect through the Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 05-53 (August 4th 2011).
This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals. Interested parties may identify their interest and capabilities in response to this synopsis, by September 16th 2011, 7:30 am Eastern Standard Time. The determination by the Government not to compete the 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 future competitive procurement.
Inquires to this announcement, referencing synopsis number NHLBI-CSB-(HL)-2011-357-DDC, may be submitted to the COAC Services Branch, Office of Acquisitions, DERA, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), NIH, 6701 Rockledge Drive, Suite 6042, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-7902, Attention: Deborah Coulter. Response may be submitted electronically
to [email protected]. Faxes will not be accepted. Responses will only be accepted if dated and signed by an authorized company representative.