National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Contracts Management Branch, 6100 Bldg., Suite 7A07, 6100- Executive Blvd MSC 7510, Bethesda, MD 20892-7510

A -- STORING, MONITORING, AND DISTRIBUTING OF NICHD BIOLOGICAL SPECIMEN REPOSITORY SOL RFP NICHD-DESPR-98-15 DUE 100798 POC Lynn Salo -- 301-496-4611 WEB: National Institutes of Health, http://www.nih.gov. E-MAIL: National Institutes of Health, ls59u@nih.gov. The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) has acquired seven separate repositories of biological specimens as a result of various research activities. These samples are currently stored at either -20 degrees Celsius, -70 degrees Celsius, or liquid nitrogen temperatures. NICHD is seeking an offeror to consolidate these seven repositories under a single repository contract. The repositories currently contain approximately 850,000 3 ml vials and 300,000 5 ml vials stored at -20 degrees in a walk-in freezer; 340,000 2 ml vials stored in 21 -70 degree freezers; 45,000 10 ml vials of urine stored at -70 degrees; 40,000 10 ml vials of urine stored at -20 degrees, and 50,000 cell pellets stored under liquid nirogen. The successful offeror will also have capability to expand should additional repositories be added, and the capacity to accommodate their requirements. The successful offeror must be able to account for the labor and equipment costs of each repository individually, and must have a year-2000 compliant microcomputerized inventory system capable of managing a repository of such size. Offerors shall have the capability to retrieve specimens, aliquot them into a new container and ship them to designated laboratories using acceptable procedures for the handling of biological specimens. It is expected that for most projects requiring specimens to be shipped from the repository, NICHD personnel will be present for the preparation of the initial specimens to verify that proper procedures are being followed. Accordingly, the repository facilities must be within one hour's driving time of the NIH campus. For further information request a copy of the RFP. This announcement for a storage repository is a new solicitation that will continue maintaining current collections. The issuance of the RFP (hard copy only) will be on or about July 29, 1998 and proposals are due by 4:00 P.M. (Local Time) on October 7, 1998. The Institute plans to make one award from this soliciation. Those organizations desiring a copy of the above RFP may request a copy by writing or FAXing your name and mailing address to: Mrs. Lynn Salo, NICHD, OAM, Executive Building, Room 7A07, 6100 Exectuive Blvd., MSC 7510, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-7510 -- FAX 301-402-3676. All responsible sources may submit a proposal which will be considered. This advertisement does not commit the government to award a contract. Posted 07/13/98 (W-SN222072). (0194)

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