SOLICITATION NOTICE
B -- Assays of telomere length, ribosomal DNA copy number, and mitochondrial DNA / nuclear DNA ratios in molecular epidemiologic studies
- Notice Date
- 8/3/2009
- Notice Type
- Presolicitation
- NAICS
- 621511
— Medical Laboratories
- Contracting Office
- Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute, Office of Acquisitions, 6120 Executive Blvd., EPS Suite 600, Rockville, Maryland, 20852
- ZIP Code
- 20852
- Solicitation Number
- NCI-90152-AV
- Archive Date
- 8/28/2009
- Point of Contact
- Ashley L. Virts,
- E-Mail Address
-
virtsa@mail.nih.gov
(virtsa@mail.nih.gov)
- Small Business Set-Aside
- N/A
- Description
- The National Cancer Institute (NCI), Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics (DCEG), Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch (OEEB) intends to procure on a sole-source basis with University of Utah; 75 South 2000 East, 2nd Floor; Salt Lake City, UT 84112-8930 for services regarding assays of telomere length, ribosomal DNA copy number, and mitochondrial DNA / nuclear DNA ratios in molecular epidemiologic studies This acquisition will be processed in accordance with simplified acquisition procedures as stated in FAR Part 13.501. The North American Industry Classification System Code is 621511 and the business size standard $13.5M Period of performance shall be for twelve months from date of award. Telomere Length and ribosomal DNA Recent studies have demonstrated associations between telomere length and various cancers among which carcinomas of the head and neck, kidney, bladder, lung and NHL. Most of these studies have been small due to throughput limitations of the assays (e.g. southern blod) and relied on relatively large quantities of DNA. However, recently a valid and reliable PCR method has been developed that has a high throughput and requires only small amounts of DNA. This development has opened the way to evaluate the possible relation between telomere length and future cancer risk in several NCI studies to confirm the previous observations and to explore in more detail the relations between exposure, telomere shortening and future cancer risk. Telomeres may interact with rDNA in maintaining cell division capability. High rDNA copy number combined with high telomere length was associated with the highest cancer mortality rate in a Utah population. A hypothesis is that high rDNA copy number facilitates more rapid growth and cell division rates, and longer telomeres allow cells to go through more divisions before cell senescence or apoptosis is triggered, blocking tumor progression. Mitochondrial DNA and nuclear DNA ratio Mitochondria are the eukaryotic organelles responsible for energy production through the synthesis of ATP. In normal cells, mitochondria have 2-10 copies of their genomes (mtDNA). mtDNA is a circular molecule that lacks introns and protective histones. As a consequence, the mutation rate for mtDNA is 10 times greater than that of nuclear genomic DNA. Further, mitochondria have limited DNA repair capacity and compensate for damage by increasing the number of mtDNA copies, thus mitochondria are more susceptible to reactive oxygen species (ROS), an important determinant of cancer risk. One functional consequence of ROS damage is the disruption of cellular structural elements, including the lipid membranes of mitochondria. ROS affect mitochondrial function by damaging mtDNA and impairing electron chain transport. Because mtDNA is in close proximity to the inner membrane of the mitochondria, where electron chain transport occurs, direct oxidative damage to mtDNA is greater than to nuclear DNA. In addition to defenses that scavenge ROS, mitochondria respond to oxidative stress by increasing mtDNA copy number. The ratio fo mtDNA to nuclear DNA (nDNA) has important implications for cancer risk, as individuals with great mtDNA/nDNA ratios have great oxidative damage repair capacities. To date, no epidemiological study has evaluated the ratio of mtDNA/nDNA. The University of Utah is the only laboratory that currently has operating telomere length, rDNA copy number, and mtDNA/nDNA ratio assays capable of measuring average telomere length, rDNA, and mtDNA/nDNA in DNA using limited amounts of DNA with high-throughput to analyze the needed number of samples. Samples will be analyzed in the same lab used for the ATBC study (HHSN261200800649P) since comparability and continuity of scientific results is necessary to complete the mission of the NCI. For these reasons, the University of Utah is the only source known to the NCI to complete the tasks outlined within the procurement. This is not a solicitation for competitive quotations. However, if any interested party believes it can meet the above requirement, they may submit a statement of capabilities. All information furnished shall be in writing and must contain sufficient detail to allow the NCI to determine if it can meet the above unique specifications described herein. An original and one copy of the capability statement must be received in the NCI contracting office by 11:00 AM EST on August 13, 2009. All questions must be in writing and can be faxed (301) 402-4513 or emailed to Ashley Virts, Contract Specialist at virtsa@mail.nih.gov. A 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 be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. In order to receive an award, contractors must have valid registration and certification in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) www.ccr.gov and the Online Representations and Certifications Applications (ORCA), http://orca.bpn.gov. No collect calls will be accepted. Please reference NCI-90152-AV on all correspondence.
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- Record
- SN01897550-W 20090805/090804000238-028693c41535cd5a4c8814e692b64379 (fbodaily.com)
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