The National Cancer Institute (NCI) Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics (DCEG), Genetic Epidemiology Branch (GEB) plans to procure sample labeling, quality control, CGH hybridization, array scans, data extraction, and segmentation analysis on DNA samples extracted from blood of subjects in melanoma prone families from Roche Diagnostics Corporation, 9115 Hague Road, Indianapolis, IN 46256-1025.

The services herein are being procured in accordance with the simplified acquisition procedures authorized by FAR Part 13. The North American Industry Classification System Code is 541690 and the business size standard is $7M.

The period of performance shall be twelve (12) months from date of award.

The objective of this procurement is to perform CGH on whole-genome arrays (HG18 CGH 3x720K WG Exon-focused) to identify copy number changes that are associated with nevi/DN in CMM families with and without CDKN2A mutations. Specifically, genomic DNA from blood samples of 75 subjects will be analyzed for arrayCGH to identify nevi-related CNVs. Findings from this study may help identify nevi/DN genes in CMM-prone families and may provide new leads for understanding the genetic heterogeneity of familial CMM.

Specifically, the contractor shall: 1) label DNA samples and hybridize them to NimbleGen whole-genome arrays; 2) scan arrays, extract and process data, perform segmentation analysis using NimbleGen's softwares; and 3) deliver raw and processed data (including visualization software).

NimbleGen offers the highest resolution array CGH platform on the market for analysis of DNA copy number. Unique features of NimbleGen arrays include ultra-high density and long oligonucleotide probes that provide superior performance and data quality. The tiling-path designs provide comprehensive coverage of both genic and intergenic regions and are not limited to loci represented by SNP arrays. These unique features allow ultra-high resolution detection of small deletions and amplifications as well as breakpoint mapping to gene-level resolution, even in complex regions such as segmental duplication loci. The enhanced sensitivity of long oligonucleotide probes enables better signal-to-noise ratios compared to short probes. Long probes also provide a greater specificity and tolerance for mismatches to detect copy number changes in polymorphic regions of the genome. The success and reproducibility of NimbleGen arrays have been demonstrated through a series of publications in major scientific journals such as Nature Genetics, American Journal of Human Genetics, and Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. NimbleGen possesses the unique and superb array platform which specifically fits the study design, and includes both array experiments and bioinformatics data processing, which will free the NCI from purchasing equipment and software, and validating assays

This is not a request for competitive quotation. However, if any interested party believes it can meet the above requirement, it may submit a statement of capabilities. The statement of capabilities and any other information furnished must be in writing and must contain material in sufficient detail to allow the NCI to determine if the party can meet this requirement. One (1) original and one (1) copy of the capability statement must be received in the contracting office by 11:00 a.m. ET on September 17, 2009. All questions must be in writing and can be faxed to 301-402-4513 or sent via email to Ashley Virts at [email protected]. It is the vendor's responsibility to ensure questions have been received. 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.

No collect calls will be accepted. In order to receive an award, contractor must have valid registration and certification in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) and the Online Representations and Certifications Application (ORCA). Please reference NCI-90235-AV on all correspondence.