PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES: NIMH needs to carry out morphometric analyses of different brain structures (e.g. thalamus, mammillary bodies, white matter, auditory cortex, frontal cortex, and language areas such as Wernicke's and Broca's areas) measured in patients with developmental amnesia (DA) and/or language deficits related to a mutation in the FOXP2 gene (KE family). Both groups of subjects have been identified and characterized by Prof. Vargha-Khadem and her colleagues at the University College London (UCL), and Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children (GOSH). In order to carry out detailed brain morphometric analyses we first need to collect high quality MRIs of the brain with the latest scanning equipment and techniques now available. Upon morphometric analyses we hope to understand the brain areas responsible for the underlying memory or language defect. PROJECT DESCRIPTION/SCOPE OF WORK: Specific tasks to be performed by the contractor: 1. Identify and recruit previously assessed 24 patients with developmental amnesia and their controls. 2. Identify and recruit the 10 members of the KE family that have a language defect as a result of lack of the FoxP2 gene and their controls. 3. Carry out a series of MRI scans using a Siemens Prisma, 3T with class leading magnet homogeneity, with a 64 channel head receive coil and fully dynamic parallel transmit RF, 80mT/m, 200T/m/s gradients. 4. Collect T1 and T2 series scans. MPrage sequence version 20 x 64 coil. We will also acquire FLAIR /TR, multi parameter mapping and multi band fMRI. Direction on specific methodologies to be used: The team at ICH/UCL/GOSH are experts in brain imaging using MRI. High resolution MR images will be provided to the Laboratory of Neuropsychology (LN, NIMH) for analyses. Multiple series of brain images (T1, T2, Flair/TR) will be collected to optimize morphometric analyses of the brain. REQUIRED CONTRACTOR EXPERIENCE: The proposed work is to be carried out at the Institute of Child Health (ICH), University College London (UCL), and Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children (GOSH). The proposed work is a follow-up from the results reported for DA and the KE family patients. The group and individuals who will be carry the proposed imaging are one the finest groups in the world. To carry-out this proposed work elsewhere would require development of a new team of investigators as well as identifying the patient populations that could take several years and cost substantially more. The present team already has the expertise and experience to complete the proposed work thus it is cost efficient to continue the ongoing collaboration and certainly most effective scientifically to continue the work at ICH/GOSH. CONTRACTING WITHOUT PROVIDING FOR FULL OR OPEN COMPETITION (INCLUDING BRAND-NAME) DETERMINATION The determination by the Government to award a contract without providing for full and open competition is based upon the market research conducted. Specifically, University College London and Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children is the only vendor in the marketplace that can provide the services required by NIMH. In accordance with FAR part 10, extensive market research was conducted to reach this determination. Specifically, a sources sought notice was posted to FedBizOpps referencing the above detailed requirements and no responses were received from other vendors. Additionally, contacts with knowledgeable individuals both in industry and Government, as well as reviews of available product literature, revealed no other sources. Finally, a review of the GSA Advantage, and Dynamic Small Business Search returned no results that meet all of the requirements. Therefore, only University College London and Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children is capable of meeting the needs of this requirement. The Intended Source Is: University College London and Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children CLOSING STATEMENT THIS SYNOPSIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE PROPOSALS. However, interested parties may identify their interest and capability to respond to 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. All responsible sources may submit a capability statement, proposal, or quotation which shall be considered by the agency. The information received will normally be considered solely for the purposes of determining whether to proceed on a non-competitive basis or to conduct a competitive procurement. Responses to this notice shall contain sufficient information to establish the interested parties' bona-fide capabilities for fulfilling the requirement and include: unit price, list price, shipping and handling costs, the delivery period after contract award, the prompt payment discount terms, the F.O.B. Point (Destination or Origin), the Dun & Bradstreet Number (DUNS), the Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), and the certification of business size. All offerors must have an active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) www.sam.gov. All responses must be received by the closing date and time of this announcement and must reference the solicitation number, HHS-NIH-NIDA-SSSA-NOI-16-698. Responses must be submitted electronically to Keshia McDonald, Contract Specialist, at
[email protected]. U.S. Mail and Fax responses will not be accepted.