The National Cancer Institute (NCI), Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics (DCEG)  plans to procure on a sole source basis dermatopathologist services in regards to a familial melanoma study of pigmented lesion pathology material with University of Pennsylvania Pathology Department, 3400 Spruce Street, Six Founders, Philadelphia, PA  19104-4283.

The supplies and services herein are being procured in accordance with the simplified acquisition procedures as stated in FAR Part 13.106-1(b)(1). The North American Industry Classification code is 621511 and the business size standard is $13.5 million.

Performance shall be for one year plus two one-year option periods. This is an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity type contract with a minimum of 1 and a maximum of 60 lesions per year.

The purpose of this procurement is to provide a mechanism for the Genetic Epidemiology Branch (GEB) to have familial melanoma study pigmented lesion pathology material reviewed by an expert dermatopathologist by providing:

1. Rigorous pigmented lesion pathology material review for the GEB clinical familial melanoma study.

1. Generation of pathology reports containing the variables needed for the GEB clinical familial melanoma research study.

The contractor shall (1)  Review pigmented lesion (melanomas and moles suspicious for melanoma) pathology material, (2) Analyze the pathology material of melanomas and moles suspicious for melanoma (approximately 60 lesions), (3) Verify diagnoses of melanoma, dysplastic nevi or other atypical nevi on all submitted pigmented lesions

The Pathology Department at the University of Pennsylvania and the laboratory of Dr. David Elder has been the dermatopathologist for the GEB familial melanoma study since 1998.  It is essential for GEB’s clinical study of melanoma-prone families to have the study participants pathology material reviewed by this laboratory in order to ensure that the pathology reviews and data are consistent for cohort analyses for GEB familial melanoma study data.  For these analyses, it is crucial that consistency of date be achieved.  Pigmented lesions (melanoma and suspicious moles) pathology material from members of melanoma-prone families being studied by the Genetic epidemiology Branch must be reviewed by this laboratory to ensure that study participants are categorized with the correct diagnoses and that the features all of the pigmented lesions are reviewed consistently to meet the data requirements for the GEB familial melanoma study.  

This is not a request for competitive quotation.  However, if any interested party believes it can perform the above requirement, it may submit a statement of capabilities.  The statement of capabilities and any other furnished information must be in writing and must contain material in sufficient detail to allow NCI to determine if the party can perform this requirement. An original and one copy of the capability statements must be received in the contracting office by 11 AM ET September 18, 2008.  Faxed and E-mailed capability statements are not authorized.  Questions must be submitted in writing to Karri Mares, Contract Specialist at [email protected] or by fax 301-402-4513.  A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed requirement 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.  No collect calls will be accepted.  In order to receive and award, contractors must be registered and have valid certification in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) and the Online Representations and Certifications Application (ORCA).  Please reference solicitation number NCI-80223-KM on all correspondence.