The National Cancer Institute (NCI); Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics (DCEG); Nutritional Epidemiology Branch (NEB) plans to procure on a sole source basis, Nail element concentrations and risk of esophageal cancer with University of Missouri Research Reactor Center; University of Missouri- Columbia; Columbia, Missouri, 65211-33400. The supplies herein are being procured in accordance with the simplified acquisition procedures authorized by FAR Part 13.106-(b) (1). The North American Industry Classification System Code is 611310 and the business size standard is 6.5 M employees. The Nutritional Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, NCI is studying the hypothesis that differences in element status are associated with the different risks of esophageal cancer. Toenails can be used to determine trace element status 8 months to less than 1 year prior to collection and thus provide a meaningful estimate for use in epidemiologic studies. The NCI plans to measure toenail element concentrations in 500 subjects to assess the association between trace elements and the risk of esophageal cancer. The toenails provide a valuable method of estimating element status prior to diagnosis in cross-sectional case-control studies. The University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR) provides the required services to research groups that measure nail element content in epidemiologic studies. Using Neutron Activation Analysis, MURR can determine the concentrations of the full suite of elements from the existing toenail sample without destroying the nails. Other methods, such as atomic absorption or inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy, can only measure single elements or require that the sample be destroyed. The services provided by the Missouri Research Reactor are demonstrated to provide accurate and valid measurements acceptable for publication in the peer reviewed literature. The University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR) is the only source known to the NCI that can complete the testing. 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 researcher 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 August 21, 2008. All questions must be in writing and can be faxed to 301-402-4513 or sent via email to Malinda Holdcraft: [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, updated registration and certification in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) and the Online Representations and Certifications Application (ORCA). Please reference NCI-80169-NG on all correspondence.

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