National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, Natcher Building, Room 5AS-13A, 45 Center Drive, MSC 6500, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-6500

A -- RESEARCH REGISTRY FOR INHERITED DISORDERS OF KERATINIZATION (ICHTHYOSIS REGISTRY) SOL N01-AR-4-2216 POC Erin C. Lange, (301)594-2543 The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) intends to negotiate on a sole source basis with the University of Washington to extend and expand the scope of their current contract for an additional five (5) years. The University of Washington was originally awarded a five (5) year contract in September, 1994, for the project entitled "Research Registry for Inherited Disorders of Keratinization (Ichthyosis Registry)." The purpose of the contract was to establish a research registry for ichthyosis. The Contractor developed, maintains, and systematically updates a disease registry for ichthyosis with the focus on collecting patients and families with the well established diagnosis of ichthyosis or related, defined diseases. In conjunction with the NIAMS, the University of Washington continuously promotes the use of the Registry as a national resource to facilitate research by providing adequate numbers of subjects for study, thus enhancing the national research effort in ichthyosis and related diseases. The purpose of this extension is two fold. First, the additional time will allow the incumbent to continue to enroll affected individuals and/or families to meet its enrollment goals. Secondly, new molecular diagnostic techniques will be incorporated to confirm diagnoses. A determination for the use of other than full and open competition has been made in accordance with 41 U.S.C. 253(c)(1) as set forth in FAR 6.302-1. The University of Washington is determined to be the only responsible source by virtue of its previous work, it has already established relationships with referral physicians, patients, and collaborators located nationwide to search for the underlying cause of ichthyosis and related diseases, and has developed and implemented a system for patient accrual, based on strict enrollment criteria. Therefore, the University of Washington has the unique capability to perform this work. This is not an announcement of the availability of a Request for Proposals. See Numbered Note 22.***** Posted 06/21/00 (W-SN466938). (0173)

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