SOURCES SOUGHT
A -- High-throughput Collection of Gene Expression Data in Developing Rhesus Macaque Brain
- Notice Date
- 8/22/2007
- Notice Type
- Sources Sought
- NAICS
- 541710
— Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
- Contracting Office
- Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Mental Health, Contracts Management Branch 6001 Executive Blvd, Rm 8154, MSC 9661, Bethesda, MD, 20892-9661, UNITED STATES
- ZIP Code
- 00000
- Solicitation Number
- Reference-Number-SS-NIMH-08-0001
- Response Due
- 9/13/2007
- Archive Date
- 9/28/2007
- Description
- On behalf of the NIH Blueprint for Neuroscience, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is seeking information on all sources capable of providing contract services for a new initiative entitled: High-throughput Collection of Gene Expression Data in Developing Rhesus Macaque Brain. This contract will require high throughput collection of gene expression data, and development of a digital brain atlas and associated informatics tools for the analysis of gene expression in specific regions of developing Rhesus macaque brain. More specifically this contract would utilize high throughput, automated histological processing of samples from the developing Rhesus macaque brain, including sectioning, histological staining, and in situ hybridization, resulting in the generation of high resolution gene expression data related to cytoarchitecture which will be represented in a publicly-available digital brain atlas with associated informatics tools, to facilitate data searches and analyses by other investigators. Tissues for analysis under this contract will be obtained via a separate contract (to be established), with a facility that has access to well-defined colonies of rhesus macaques, raised in naturalistic settings, where the lineage and hierarchical status of each animal is characterized in detail. This other facility will prepare and transfer the tissues to this contract facility for histological processing and digitization as described above. This contractor will be required to work effectively and closely with the animal facility contractor. As the lead institute for this Blueprint project, NIMH is seeking to pursue a systematic approach to elucidate gene expression during normal brain development, an identified research area of need with great significance for human health and disease. The recent sequencing of the genome of the Rhesus macaque, Macaca mulatta, as well as its broad application as a research model, suggest that this nonhuman primate species would provide the optimal translational bridge between existing gene expression atlases in other species, including mouse, and future efforts in human. NIMH?s overall goal for this contract is to develop a publicly available data resource to stimulate research in gene expression during normal brain development. It is anticipated that this resource in general will significantly advance knowledge of gene expression in developing primate brain, and provide a template for future studies in developing human brain. It is also anticipated that there will be some form of continued support of this publicly available digital atlas, database, and associated informatics tools, following contract completion. To successfully accomplish the goals of this contract, capable organizations must demonstrate expertise in: 1) neurobiology; 2) both automated and high throughput histological processing, including in situ hybridization; and 3) development of digital atlases of gene expression, associated informatics tools, and web-based dissemination of data. The contract will require a validated HTP methodology regarding: probe design, sensitivity, variability, reproducibility and quality control. Therefore, the HTP technique/procedure must be: 1) a reliable validation of gene expression at the level of cellular resolution within specific structures across developmental stages; and 2) scalable, such that additional genes could be included for analysis in specific brain regions if so desired. Any business or organization that believes it has the capability to fulfill this requirement should submit a brief narrative response (5-10 pages, single-spaced), indicating previous experience and capabilities related to the above work. Capability Statements should clearly state/describe: 1) the offerors experience and qualifications to perform this work; 2) your type of business or organization, its size (number of employees and gross annual revenue), your eligibility under 8(a) or other set-aside programs, as applicable (Note: the applicable NAICS code for this requirement is 541710, 500 employees); 3) your the management structure, history of your organization (for example number of years in business and DUNS #); and 4) any other resources available to perform this work (e.g. scientific equipment, laboratory facilities, etc.). PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT NO SOLICITATION IS AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME; THIS NOTICE IS FOR INFORMATION AND PLANNING PURPOSES ONLY. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS AND DOES NOT COMMIT THE GOVERNMENT TO AWARD A CONTRACT, NOW OR IN THE FUTURE. NO RECEIPT NOTICE WILL BE SENT TO THE SUBMITTER OF A CAPABILITY STATEMENT AND NO EVALUATION WILL BE PROVIDED OF ANY RESPECTIVE CAPABILITY STATEMENT. If the Government decides to issue a solicitation, a Request for Proposal (RFP) will be available solely via the FedBizOpps web page at http://www.fedbizopps.gov/. It will be the offeror?s responsibility to monitor the FedBizOpps web page for the release of any solicitation and amendments, and to download the RFP and all attachments. Responses to this notice should be received no later than the specified due date, and can be sent either by mail, fax, or e-mail to the Point of Contact listed. If using the U.S. Postal Service or commercial overnight services, please send an original plus five (5) copies of your response. Note: for commercial overnight services, use the Rockville, MD 20892 address.
- Record
- SN01380840-W 20070824/070822220625 (fbodaily.com)
- Source
-
FedBizOpps Link to This Notice
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