SOURCES SOUGHT
A -- Health Risk Assessment of Bottlenose Dolphins Populations
- Notice Date
- 9/13/2002
- Notice Type
- Sources Sought
- Contracting Office
- Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Central Administrative Support Center, 601 East 12th Street, Room 1756, Kansas City, MO, 64106
- ZIP Code
- 64106
- Solicitation Number
- WC1330-02-RQ-0197
- Response Due
- 9/20/2002
- Archive Date
- 10/5/2002
- Point of Contact
- Mamie Wandick, Contract Specialist, Phone (816) 426-7267, Fax (816) 426-7532,
- E-Mail Address
-
mamie.l.wandick@noaa.gov
- Description
- The U. S. Department of Commerce, National Ocean Service (NOS), intends to procure services through the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) for activities in support of the Charleston - Health and Risk Assessment (HERA) of Bottlenose Dolphin Populations Project. The WHOI is uniquely qualified to perform this work by virtue of its experience and resources. WHOI scientists possess a unique experience in the biochemical and molecular toxicology of marine mammals. They have developed methods and reagents for assessing the expression of cytochrome P4501A1 and other biomarkers and applied these in a variety of fish and wildlife species, including marine mammals. The goals of the Health and Risk Assessment (HERA) of Dolphin Populations Projects are to advance the diagnostic evaluation of dolphin populations and develop predictive models to evaluate conservation and management strategies. This proposed research will assess environmental and anthropogenic stressors that may affect the health and long-term viability of marine mammal populations. It will assess changes in gene expression, involving established as well as novel biomarkers, as measures of chemical exposure and effect in bottlenose dolphins sampled from Charleston, South Carolina and the Indian River Lagoon, Florida. This work will involve assessing Planar halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons (PHAHs) and other contaminants on marine organisms. One approach is through the use of biomarkers. The tasks involved will include the following: (1) Measure the induction of cytochrome CYP1A1 levels on a set of bottlenose dolphin biopsy samples collection from the Charleston, South Carolina and Indian River Lagoon sites in Fall 2002. Skin/blubber biopsy samples (up to 30 per site) will be analyzed by immunohistochemistry using an antibody specific to mammalian CYP1A1 using methods described in detail. Staining intensity and occurrence will be scored and a staining index calculated for each sample. The expression of CYP1A1 in individual animals will be compared to levels of the relevant contaminants as measured by NOS Scientists. (2) Initiate a pilot study to determine the feasibility of employing the RDA approach to identify novel biomarkers (genes for measuring chemical exposure in skin/blubber biopsies of bottlenose dolphins. A single skin biopsy (approximately 0.5 g, based on preliminary studies in other cetaceans) wil be divided into two identical subsamples. One will be incubated with medium containing 8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCBB; 10 nM) dissolved in DMSO; the other will be incubated in medium containing DMSO only. RSA will be isolated from each sample and used to perform the RDA procedure using modifications of methods prescribed by scientists. Genes identified as differently expressed will be confirmed using a second set of treated biopsy samples. A selected set of genes whose expression is most strongly induced by TCDD exposure in both sets of samples will be cloned and sequenced to determine their identity. Cloning and sequencing will be performed by methods prescribed. Deliverables will include the following: (1) A summary report providing a detailed description of methods and results of this research. (2) Hard copy and electronic versions of data tables, including CYP1A1 staining indices for each animal sampled. (3) Representative photographic images of immunohistochemical staining results from selected animals. (4) DNA sequences and expression data obtained as a result of the RDA procedure. (DNA sequence data will also be deposited in the GenBank sequence database.) The Government will accept quotes from other firms who believe they have the capability to provide this work. This work will be acquired through the FAR Part 13, Simplified Acquisitions Regulations under Request for Quotation Number WC1330-02-RQ-0197. NAICS code 541710 applies. This is a combined solicitation and announcement. All responsible sources may submit a quote with information detailing their capabilities to provide this work within 7 calendar days of this announcement. Firms interested in receiving a copy of the request for quotation shall submit a request in writing to the attention of Mamie L. Wandick at the address listed above. Facsimile request for this solicitation will be accepted at (816) 426-7530.
- Web Link
-
Link to FedBizOpps document.
(http://www.eps.gov/spg/DOC/NOAA/CASC/WC1330-02-RQ-0197/listing.html)
- Place of Performance
- Address: Charleston, South Carolina
- Zip Code: 29412
- Country: US
- Zip Code: 29412
- Record
- SN00166059-F 20020915/020913220909 (fbodaily.com)
- Source
-
FedBizOpps.gov Link to This Notice
(may not be valid after Archive Date)
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