National Cancer Institute, Research Contracts Branch, PSAS, 6120 Executive Blvd, EPS/Room 638, Bethesda, MD 20892-7227

A -- LEVELS OF CYTOKINES AND IMMUNOGLOBULINS IN CERVICAL SECRETIONS SOL RFQ80208-NS DUE 091098 POC Patricia Haun, (301) 402-4509 The Interdisciplinary Studies Section (ISS), Environmental Epidemiology Branch (EEB), Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics (DCEG), National Cancer Institute (NCI) plans to procure from Brigham & Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02115 the testing of duplicate cervical secretion specimens collected from 210 women enrolled in a study of HPV and cervical neoplasia. This requirement involves the testing of the above cervical secretions for IL-10, IL-12, HPV-16 VLP, total IgG, and total IgA levels by ELISA. Testing must be performed by a laboratory with extensive experience handling and testing cervical secretions collected using the ophthalmic Weck-cel sponges. In addition, documented experience performing blinded methodological studies of over 100 subjects is required. These studies must document the ability to reproducibly measure levels of the cytokines and immunoglobulins listed above using Weck-cel specimens. The contractor shall be responsible for measuring the levels of the following cytokines and immunoglobulins/antibodies on duplicate specimens collected from 210 women: 1) IL-10; 2) IL-12; 3) IgG Antibodies to HPV-16 Virus-Like Particles; 4) Total IgG and 5) Total IgA. Each specimen shall be tested in duplicate wells and retested should the %CV exceed 20%. Dr. Peg Crowley-Nowick of Brigham & Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School is the only known source with experience in Weck-cel specimen testing who has conducted extensive methodological work to assure the reproducibility of the assays required as part of this contract. In addition, she has direct experience testing cervical secretion specimens collected from women enrolled in a Costa Rican study. However, if any interested party believes it can meet the above requirement, it may submit a statement of capabilities. The statement of capabilities and any other information furnished must be in writing and must contain material in sufficient detail to allow NCI to determine if the party can meet the above specifications. Capability statements must be received in the contracting office by 3:00 PM EST, on September 10, 1998. If you have any questions, please contact Patricia Haun, Purchasing Agent on (301) 40-24509. 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. Posted 08/24/98 (W-SN241031). (0236)

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