National Institute of Mental Health, Contracts Management Branch, 6001 Exective Blvd., MSC 9603, Rm. 6S-6107, Bethesda, MD 20892-9603

A -- BRAIN MOLECULAR ANATOMY PROJECT (BMAP) RESOURCE CENTER DUE 052899 POC Patricia L. Gibbons, 301-443-2696 WEB: http://www.nimh.nih.gov, http://www.nimh.nih.gov. E-MAIL: pgibbons@nih.gov, pgibbons@nih.gov. This Sources Sought Notice (SSN) is for planning purposes only and shall not be construed as a solicitation or as an obligation on the part of the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). The purpose of this SSN is to identify potential sources that may be interested in and capable of performing the work described herein. NIMH welcomes Corporate Capability Statements (CCS) from all individuals and organizations. The NIMH does not intend to award a contract on the basis of responses nor otherwise pay for the preparation of any information submitted or NIMH's use of such information. Acknowledgement of receipt of responses will not be made, nor will respondents be notified of the NIMH's evaluation of the information received. As a result of this SSN, the NIMH may issue a Request for Proposals (RFP). In the event a RFP will be issued, Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code 8731 is being considered. However, should such a requirement materialize, no basis for claims against the NIMH shall arise as a result of a response to the SSN. Sources Sought: The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Strokes (NINDS) anticipate the procurement of services to support a National Institute of Health (NIH) Brain Molecular Anatomy Project (BMAP) Resource Center. It is anticipated that the BMAP Resource Center created under this prospective initiative will collect, maintain, and distribute biological reagents such as, cDNA libraries, individual cDNA clones and brain UniGene sets, which are generated under NIMH Contract No. N01MH80014 and NIH-supported research grants and contracts funded under future BMAP solicitations. These materials will be validated and widely distributed to the scientific community. Their wide distribution to the scientific community will greatly facilitate research on the function and expression of genes in the mammalian nervous system. NIMH/NINDS envisions that any resultant contractor will receive, validate, amplify, and store cDNA libraries, individual cDNA clones, and brain UniGene sets along with their associated data. Once biomaterials are validated and authenticated, biological materials and their associated data shall be immediately made available to private and public qualified investigators. It is expected that the BMAP Resource Center will streamline activities and provide a highly efficient, rapid, and cost-effective mechanism for the distribution of validated biological materials and reagents as "gold standards" for functional studies of the mammalian nervous system. Interested sources shall demonstrate the capability to manage cDNA clone repository activities. Given that this is a highly technical endeavor, prior experience as well as ongoing activities in performing repository functions should be clearly demonstrated. Documentation demonstrating technical competence of the interested source must include: minimizing tracking error in handling a large number of biomaterials in a multi-step operation, elimination of cross contamination of biomaterials, and availability of facility required for such activities. The demonstrated evidence should specify current or past contracts or activities for related requirements, and the qualifications, availability, and experience of the professional and technical personnel necessary to perform contract requirements. Statements should include resumes of key individuals to be responsible for day-to-day contract requirements and assurances of their availability. Interested organizations should submit a CCS of no more than 20 pages that details the ability to perform the aspects of the effort described above. All proprietary information should be marked as such. All respondents are asked to indicate the type and size of your business organization, e.g., Large Business, Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, Women-Owned-Business, 8(a), Historically Black College or University/Minority Institution (HBCU/MI), educational institution, profit/non-profit hospital, or other nonprofit organization, in their response. Responses should be identified with MH-99-SS-06 and are due by 3:30 p.m., Friday, May 28, 1999. Please, submit three (3) copies of your response to the attention of: Patricia L. Gibbons, Contracting Officer, Contracts Management Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, NIH, 6001 Executive Boulevard, Room 6107, MSC-9603 Rockville, MD 20892-9603. Facsimile responses will also be accepted as long as they do not exceed 20 pages in length (301-443-0501). E-mail responses, sent to pgibbons@mail.nih.gov will also be accepted. Posted 05/17/99 (W-SN332208). (0137)

Loren Data Corp. http://www.ld.com (SYN# 0006 19990519\A-0006.SOL)