National Institute of Mental Health, Contracts Management Branch, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rm. 9C-15, Rockville, MD, 20857-8030

A -- NIMH GENETICS COORDINATING CENTER POC Contracting Officer, Patricia Gibbons or David Eskenazi, 301/443-2696 The National Institute of Mental Health anticipates the procurement of services to support a NIMH Genetic Data Management Center. The resultant contract will include genetic data management, the creation and storage of cell lines from which DNA will be extracted, and the dissemination of data and biological materials suitable for immediate genetic analysis to private and public qualified investigators. Data and biological material shall be received from approximately 20 research projects supported under NIMH grants awarded in FY 1998 and FY 1999. The scientific activities that are requirements of the anticipated contract are similar to those performed by NIMH staff and under two NIMH Contracts (N01MH50003 with SRA Technologies -- Psychiatric Genetic Management Center; and N01MH70002 with Coriell institute for Medical Research -- NIMH National Cell Repository). The purpose of the resultant contract will be to receive and process clinical, diagnostic, and pedigree information and biological materials collected from individuals with serious brain disorders and their relatives. Cell lines, DNA, and electronic files suitable for immediate genetic analysis will be prepared and widely distributed to qualified investigators granted access by NIMH for exclusive use in genetic research on serious brain disorders. Interested sources shall demonstrate the capability to conduct statistical genetics research and to manage genetic data and repository activities related to such research. Given that this is a highly technical endeavor, the contractor shall demonstrate prior experience in preparing pedigree files and using those files to conduct statistical genetic analyses. This shall be documented by publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals by the interested source, or by another individual/organization which used source data generated by the interested source as the basis for a peer-reviewed scientific publication. The demonstrated evidence should specify current or past contracts or research grants for related requirements, and the qualifications, availability, and experience of the professional and technical personnel necessary to perform contract requirements. Statements should include resumes of key individuals to be responsible for day-to-day contract requirements and assurances of their availability. Responses shall also indicate if the interested source is a small or large business, a non-profit entity, 8(a) certified, and/or woman owned. All responses received from interested sources by Monday, March 9,1998 shall be considered by the Government. Based upon the evaluation of responses to this announcement, the Government reserves the right to set aside this acquisition. The Government anticipates release of an RFP approximately 30 after receipt of statements from interested offerors. Statements shall be sent or delivered to the National Institute of Mental Health, Attn: Contract Officer, 5600 Fishers Lane, Room 9C-15, Rockville, Md. 20857. Facsimile responses will be accepted, so long as they do not exceed twenty (20) pages in length. Email statements, sent to de5d@nih.gov shall also be accepted. This announcement if for informational and planning purposes only. It does not constitute an Invitation for Bid (IFB) or a Request for Proposal (RFP) and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government (0051)

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