Screen the A10 antibody for off-target binding to plasma membrane proteins and secreted proteins.

THIS IS A NOTICE OF INTENT TO AWARD A SOLE SOURCE ORDER AND NOT A REQUEST FOR QUOTATIONS.

This contract action is for the acquisition of services for which the Government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source under the authority of Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subpart 13.106-1(b). The National Cancer Institute (NCI) intends to award a single source purchase order to Charles River Discovery Research Services UK Limited, Unit 3/4 High Peak Business Park, Buxton Road, Chinley, High Peak, SK23 6FJ, UK, for the acquisition of the screen of the A10 antibody for off-target binding to plasma membrane proteins and secreted proteins.

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) has a program to use an antibody called, 'A10' to target cancer cells that have a lot of the epidermal growth factor receptor on their cell surface. While this antibody has been extensively tested and characterized it is not known if it also binds any other cell surface proteins. The contractor shall perform an off-target screen on an NCI antibody and report back on any problematic interactions that could predict a serious side effect should the antibody be given to a cancer patient. The A10 is NOT known to bind other cell surface proteins or secreted proteins but this needs to be addressed in the off-target screen.

The anticipated period of performance will be 10-12 weeks after award.

The applicable North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 541380 – Testing Laboratories and Services and a size standard of $19M.

NCI will solicit and negotiate directly with Charles River Discovery Research Services UK Limited and no solicitation will be issued. Interested parties may identify their interest and capability. Award is subject to approval of the Sole Source Justification. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals or quotations; however, an interested party may submit a statement of capabilities if they believe they can meet the above requirement. The statement of capabilities must be submitted in writing and contain sufficient detail to allow the Government to determine if the party can provide the requirement. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed action based upon responses to this notice is solely with the discretion of the Government. All responses must be received within 10 days from the date of publication of this synopsis. Information received will normally be considered for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. If no affirmative responses are received within 10 days of this notice, an award will be made to Charles River Discovery Research Services UK Limited. This procurement is to be processed using Simplified Acquisition Procedures. There is no solicitation package available. For any questions regarding this announcement, please contact Elizabeth Bulger via email Elizabeth.bulger@hhs.gov.