Added: Jul 02, 2008 9:44 am
THE NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH (NIH), National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), Office of Acquisitions (OA), for the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) intends to negotiate and award a contract on a sole source noncompetitive basis to Dr. Zhennan Lai, 2 Boat House Court, N. Potomac, MD 20878 to prepare and analyze samples from Sjogren s patients using micro array technologies.
General Description
The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), The Molecular Physiology and Therapeutics Branch (MPTB), Division of Intramural Research (DIR) has a need for the services of an expert who can perform microarray technology as well as novel technology to follow changes in gene expression. This expertise is necessary in order to expand upon NIDCR s current studies in patients suffering from Sj gren s Syndrome.
Primary Sj gren s Syndrome (SS) is a systemic autoimmune disorder characterized by exocrine gland dysfunction primarily involving the salivary and lacrimal gland. The histological hallmark of Sj gren s Syndrome is a periductal inflammatory infiltrate. The conventional explanation of salivary gland dysfunction assumes a causal relationship between this chronic inflammatory process and decreased saliva production. However, most patients have preserved salivary gland tissue and in overall the correlation between the focus score on SG biopsy (a measure of inflammation) and saliva production is limited.
Statement of Work
In this study, NIDCR plans to identify salivary gland abnormalities that may predispose to Salivary Gland dysfunction in Sj gren s Syndrome patients. To explore if the striking female predominance of SS can be explained by intrinsic differences in salivary glands, the gene expression profiles of healthy men and women will be compared as well as mouse models of the disease. This approach may identify abnormalities that are either intrinsic to the salivary gland (male to female and normal to SS comparison) or are important in the chronic inflammatory process (normal looking cells vs. cells from infiltrate). These studies are covered under protocols 84-D-0056, 94-D-0018 and 99-D-0070.
Requirements
The specific tasks to be performed are to prepare and analyze samples from Sjogren s patients using micro array technology by a scientist who has in-depth knowledge and understanding of genetic biomarkers. This work will be performed in Molecular Physiology and Therapeutics Branch lab space on the NIH Campus in Building 10.
The period of performance is July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009.
The reference number for this notice is NHLBI-PB-(DE)-2008-173-TMB.
The resultant acquisition will be conducted in accordance with FAR Part 13, Simplified Acquisition Procedures and the resultant contract will include all applicable provisions and clauses in effect through the Federal Acquisition Circular 05-26.
The total estimated amount of this contract is NOT expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold of $100,000.00.
Market research conducted by the Government in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulations, Part 10 Market Research, has determined that there are no reasonable expectations of obtaining competitive quotes for this requirement. Therefore, the acquisition is being conducted on a noncompetitive, sole source basis.
The intended procurement will be classified under North American Classification System (NAICS) code applicable to this requirement is 541990 and the associated small business size standard is $ 6.5 Million.
This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals. The resulting acquisition will be entered into pursuant to the acquisition authority set forth in FAR 6.302-1 and 41 U.S.C. 253(c) (1) and HHSAR 306-302-1. Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements.
Interested parties may identify their interest and capabilities in response to this requirement. The determination by the Government not to compete this 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. Responses to this announcement, referencing synopsis number NHLBI-PB-(DE)-2008-173-TMB may be submitted to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, Office of Acquisitions, Procurement Branch, 6701 Rockledge Drive, Suite 6042, Bethesda, MD 20892-7902, Attention: Tracy Brooks. All responsible sources may submit a quotation, which if timely received, shall be considered by the agency.
