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

A -- PREGNANCY HORMONE LEVELS IN MATERNAL BLOOD: ASSOCIATIONW WITH MATERNAL AND PERINATAL CHARACTERISTIC RELATED TO CANCER RISK IN OFFSPRING SOL RFQ-NCI-80148 POC Debbie Moore, Purchasing Agent 301/402-4509, Todd Cole, Contracting Officer The National Cancer Institute (NCI), Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics Environmental Epidemiology Branch proposes to procure the services of Quest Diagnostics Inc., 33608 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92690. The services of Quest Diagnostics Inc. are needed to perform assays on maternal blood samples. Background: Compromises in the plecenta which occur in toxemic pregnancies may permit the fetus to be exposed to androgens, an exposure that does not normally occur in pregnancy. Androgens may influence the developing breast tissue to confer protection from breast cancer among the offspring. Cord blood samples from 100 toxemic and 100 normal pregnancies of similar gestational ages have been analyzed for several androgens as well as estrogens by Quest Diagnostic, Inc. In addition, 20 quality control samples were also analyzed. Statistical evaluation of the differences in hormone profiles between preeclamptic and normal pregnancies will be performed by researcher at NCI, along with evaluation of hormone concentrations relative to birth weights. Specifications: In a continuation of the study involving cord blood samples, the same assays shall be performed on maternal blood samples from the same pregnancies. The magnitude of the correlation in hormone levels between maternal and cord blood shall be evaluated. Specifically, the research requires the performance of assays on maternal blood to determine levels of testosterone, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), DHEA sulfate (DHEAS), estrone, estradiol, and estriol in maternal serum. The offeror must be able to perform assays with only 550 ul of serum. All pertinent data from the hormone assays shall be provided to the NCI Project Officer. This notice is a combined synopsis/solicitation and NCI does not intend to issue a separate solicitation. This solicitation, RFQ-NCI-80148-NV, has a Standard Industrial Code of 8734, but is not set-aside for small business. Since a study on the cord blood of the same pregnancies has already been performed by Quest Diagnostics, Quest Diagnostics is the only source known to NCI that can meet these requirements and maintain the reliability of the study data. However, if any interested party believes it can meet the above specification, it may submit a statement of capabilities. Information furnished must be in writing and must contain material in sufficient detail to allow NCI to determine if the party can perform the requirement. Capability statements must be received in the contracting office within 15 days after the publication date of this notice. 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. No collect calls will be accepted. (0168)

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