This Sources Sought Notice is NOT a solicitation for proposals, proposal abstracts, or quotations. This notice does not commit the Government to award a contract now or in the future. No solicitation is available at this time. The purpose of this notice is to obtain information regarding: (1) the availability and capability of all qualified sources; (2) whether they are a large business, or small business, HUBZone small businesses; service- disabled, veteran-owned small businesses; 8(a) small businesses; veteran-owned small businesses; woman-owned small businesses; small disadvantaged businesses; and (3) their size classification according to the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for the proposed acquisition. Responses, to the information requested will assist the Government in determining the appropriate acquisition method, including whether a set-aside is possible. All size organizations are encouraged to respond by submitting a capability statement. However, small business organizations must provide proof that their size is certified by the Small Business Administration. The NAICS code is 541712 with a size standard of 500 employees.

Background and Objectives

The Division of Metabolism and Health Effects, NIAAA supports research into the health effects of alcohol consumption and abuse. One of these health effects is an increased risk of certain types of cancers. Of the various targets for alcohol related cancers, breast cancer in women has attracted particular attention in view of the high prevalence of breast cancer in Western society, coupled with the evidence linking low levels of alcohol consumption to increased breast cancer risk. The relationship between alcohol and breast cancer risk in humans is based in large part upon epidemiologic studies. In contrast to human epidemiologic studies, animal studies are able to directly assess cause and affect relationships, as well as determine mechanisms of carcinogenesis. However, there is little animal data demonstrating that alcohol alone can act as a mammary carcinogen. Therefore, there is a need for a documented animal model of alcohol related breast cancer, to provide a framework for future mechanistic studies. The overall project is to carry out a long-term alcohol feeding study in mice.

Specific Project Requirements

Respondents must have past experience or a demonstrated capability to conduct the following:

• Access to an Accredited Animal Facility
• Ability to carry out long-term alcohol feeding study in mice, including preparation of alcohol solutions and monitoring and recording alcohol consumption
• Experience with conducting mouse toxicology studies and/or alcohol feeding studies
• Preparation and maintenance of alcohol consumption database including electronic data entry
• Data quality control procedures
• Veterinary support for monitoring animal health during the study and generation of animal health reports
• Veterinary pathology and histopathology support for quantifying and classifying tumors
• Ability to collect and store formalin-fixed and frozen tissue samples
• Preparation of histopathology report forms
• Final animal study report preparation

Response Guidelines

Capability statements must conform to the Response Guidelines stated herein and should demonstrate a respondent's qualifications and experience, specifically providing evidence of their capability to perform the requirements stated herein. Interested organizations that believe they possess the aforementioned capabilities should submit a written capability statement via e-mail as a portable data file (PDF) to the Point of Contact named herein. Responses must reference this sources sought notice number.

Limit responses to 15 single-sided pages. Any proprietary information should be so marked. Submissions must be received no later than Thursday, April 10, 2014, by 4PM local time. Capability statements must identify the business status of the organization (i.e. educational institution, non-profit, large business, small business, 8(a), or other corporate or non-corporate entity). Also include the name and telephone number of a point of contact having knowledge of the submitted information. Capability statements that do not provide sufficient information or submitted after the date and time above will not be considered. Collect calls will not be accepted.
The capability statement should include: A) the total number of employees, B) the professional qualifications of scientists, medical experts, and technical personnel as they relate to these requirements, C) an outline of previous or ongoing research projects in which the organization and identified personnel have participated and any in-house research and development efforts; [Past performance documentation may include, but is not limited to, a minimum of two (2) contracts performed for either Government or commercial organizations. These references shall include, for each contract, names, titles, contract number, total price or cost, phone numbers of government Contracting Officer's Representative(s) and Contracting Officer(s). D) a description of general and specific facilities and equipment available, including computer equipment and software, [Include a statement regarding industrial security clearance.] E) proof that the business performs work in the cited NAICS code; and F) any other information considered relevant to these requirements.

Capability Statements will be assessed on the pertinence and technical capabilities as they related to this requirement, specifically: 1) Experience/Past Performance, 2) Personnel, 3) Facilities; and 4) any other specific and pertinent information that may enhance the Government's assessment of the respondent's capabilities.

After the Government's assessment of responses, pre-solicitation and solicitation notices may be published on the Federal Business Opportunities website. Responses to this notice shall not be considered adequate responses to a solicitation. A solicitation release date is pending the results of this notice. Presently, the Government anticipates awarding one contract for this requirement in late fiscal year 2014.

Point of Contact: Kesha Williams, Contract Specialist, Phone: 301-443-5321; Email: [email protected].

This notice is issued on behalf of the NIAAA by the Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Office of Acquisitions.

Bid Protests Not Available