National Cancer Institute, Research Contracts Branch, PSCS 6120 Executive Blvd, EPS/Room 638, MSC 7228, Bethesda MD 20892-7228

B -- HISTOLOGY SERVICES SOL RFQ-60010-NS DUE 120895 POC Patricia Haun, Contracting Officer, (301) 402-4509. Histology Services The National Cancer Institute plans to procure on a sole source basis under authority of FAR 6.302-1, histology services from American Histolabs Inc., 7605-F Airpark Road, Gaithersburg, MD 20879. The services are related to an ongoing research project and acquire assays for biomarkers in lung, ovarian and breast cancer. Paraffin blocks will be sectioned and assayed for biomarkers using immunocytochemistry as well as is situ PCR techniques. Paraffin blocks will be provided by the Government. The Contractor will prepare sections from cancer specimens from the lung, breast and ovary. Of particular note is that the lung bronchoscopy blocks will be very small and thus will require that the block be aligned in such a manner to obtain as many 6 um sections as possible. Sections must be ribonuclease free. For the mRNA analysis the slides must be pretreated with DEPC treated water to chelate ribonuclease. The reason for contracting with American Histolabs Inc. is their experience with working with very small blocks. They also are capable of providing ribonuclease-free sections. Additionally, American Histolabs Inc. has worked with the lung blocks to be used under this effort and they have marked the block face. Hence, they are familiar with which surface to section. Introducing another technique or contractor to section these blocks would include variables which are not necessary and would further increase the possibility of loosing tissue. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals, however, if any interested party believes they can meet the above, they may submit a statement of capabilities. Information furnished shall include enough material, in sufficient detail, to perform a proper evaluation of their ability to perform. Materials must be received within 15 days of the publication of this notice. No collect calls will be accepted. SEE Note 22. (0324)

Loren Data Corp. http://www.ld.com (SYN# 0021 19951121\B-0002.SOL)