The National Institute on Aging (NIA), IRP, intends to negotiate and award a purchase order on a noncompetitive basis with Anna Sandebring, Stockholm, Sweden for the following services that will be conducted under the direction of the Laboratory of Neurogenetics? (LNG) scientists and in collaboration with the group at the Karolinska Instituet, Stockholm, Sweden: 1) Design and perform experiments using FACS to measure the following interrelated parameters of cell viability and mitochondrial function; 2) Discuss with LNG personnel review progress, answer questions, and provide expert advice in support of ongoing studies of mitochondrial function; 3) Assist individual LNG scientists and technical personnel in the design of confocal microscopy experiments estimating mitochondrial morphology and connectedness using FRAP; 3) Assist individual LNG scientists and technical personnel in the design of confocal microscopy experiments estimating mitochondrial morphology and connectedness using FRAP; 4) Perform siRNA experiments to interfere with mitochondrial fusion and fission processes, perform staining experiments and provide LNG staff with blinded images for morphological analyses; 5) Perform electron microscopy analyses of cell lines; 6) collect and analyze data and 7) Participate as a co-author in the preparation and submission of manuscripts. Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements, 41 U.S.C. 253 (c) (1), FAR 6.302-1 (b) (1). The cited authority is applicable because Anna Sandebring is the only source that can fulfill the requirements of this contract. She has expert credentials to meet the requirements for this contract. She has been trained at the Karolinska Instituet, Stockholm, in FACS and mitochondrial function assays. In previous work as a Special Volunteer at NIA, she has been involved in the characterization of stress-induced mitochondrial dysfunction in cell lines engineered to be deficient in PINK1. This work is currently in preparation as a manuscript for publication in 2007. Ms. Sandebring is familiar with protocols involved in this project and therefore is highly qualified for this project. The period of performance is 9 months. The North American Industry Classification (NAICS) is 541990 and the size standard is $6.5 million. This acquisition is being conducted under Simplified Acquisition procedures and is exempt from the requirements of FAR, Part 6, Competition Requirements. Award will be made on an all or none basis to the lowest price, technically acceptable vendor.

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