NATIONAL HEART, LUNG, AND BLOOD INSTITUTE

                  RFP No.  RFP-NIH-NHLBI-HB-98-04

                  MAINTENANCE OF NHLBI BIOLOGICAL SPECIMEN  
                           REPOSITORY

This RFP contains the following items:

I.     Streamlined Technical RFP
II.    Specific RFP Instructions and Provisions
III.   Applicable RFP References

Note to Offerors: Outline numbering will be internally consistent
within each of the above items, but the outline number of those
documents will not necessarily be consistent with the Gopher
Table
of Contents outline.  

Brief instructions for downloading files from the NIH Gopher:
Download the Gopher file into a pre-set blank document that was
created using the following settings:  Courier 10 CPI (12 pt.),
.5
left margin, 1.2 right margin, 0 top and bottom margins.  

********************************************************************

I.   Streamlined Technical RFP
     -------------------------

     A.   Solicitation Form/Cover Letter
          ------------------------------

RFP No.        NIH-NHLBI-HB-98-04

Title:         Maintenance of NHLBI Biological Specimen
Repository

Issued by:     Joann Ciufolo, Contracting Officer
               National Institutes of Health
               National Heart, Lung, & Blood Institute
               Contracts Operations Branch
               Rockledge Building, Room 6140
               6701 Rockledge DR MSC 7902
               BETHESDA MD 20892-7902

DATE ISSUED:   September 2, 1997

DATE PROPOSAL DUE:    October 17, 1997,  4:30 P.M. (EST)

SMALL BUSINESS SET-ASIDE:   No            SIC CODE: 8731

Ladies and Gentlemen:

This Streamlined Technical RFP consists of this combined
solicitation form and cover letter and four additional components
as
follows:

     B.  Work Statement and Project Information (Attachment 1);
     C.  Deliverables and Reporting Requirements (Attachment 2);
     D.  Special Requirements (Attachment 3); and
     E.  Evaluation Factors for Award (Attachment 4)

In addition, there are two other sections of this specific RFP. 
Section II.  Specific RFP Instructions and Provisions (Attachment
5)
contains the address for delivery of proposals, as well as other
provisions that provide specific information for this RFP. 
Section
III. Applicable RFP References (Attachment 6) lists those items
in
the RFP REFERENCES Gopher directory that apply to this RFP. 

If you intend to submit a proposal in response to this RFP, it is
essential that you immediately notify Joann Ciufolo of the NHLBI
contracting office at the following Internet address:

     ciufoloj@nih.gov

If you fail to notify the contracting office of your intent, you
will not receive notice of amendments to the RFP.  However, all
amendments will be posted on the NIH Gopher.

The original and twenty(25) copies of your technical proposal and
the original and six (6) copies of your business proposal must be
received at the required address no later than October 17, 1997,
at
4:30 p.m. local time.                            

Submit proposals to the address listed in the item entitled
Packaging and Delivery of Proposals under Attachment 5 of this
RFP
entitled II. Specific RFP Instructions and Provisions.  Also,
refer
to that Section for the item entitled "Proposal Intent Response
Sheet."   Please complete this form and deliver it to the address
indicated therein on or before September 29,1997.  This will
allow
us to expedite preparations for the peer review of proposals. 

Proposals must be organized and submitted in accordance with the
"Technical Proposal Table of Contents" found in Attachment 5 of
this
document (Section II, "Specific RFP Instructions and Provisions,
B.
Packing and Delivery of Proposals").

You are reminded that the "Technical Proposal Cover Sheet" must
be
completed in full detail and used as the cover sheet for each
copy
of your technical proposal. A copy of this form is contained in
the
NIH Gopher under the FORMS, FORMATS, AND ATTACHMENTS subdirectory
found in Attachment 6, III. Applicable RFP References.  This
information will be used to ensure that there will be no conflict
of
interest when selecting review committee members. 
 
NOTE:     IF YOUR PROPOSAL IS NOT RECEIVED BY THE CONTRACTING 
          OFFICER OR DESIGNEE AT THE PLACE AND TIME SPECIFIED,
THEN 
          IT WILL BE CONSIDERED LATE AND HANDLED IN ACCORDANCE
WITH 
          PHS CLAUSE 352.215-10 ENTITLED "LATE PROPOSALS, 
          MODIFICATIONS OF PROPOSALS, AND  WITHDRAWALS OF 
          PROPOSALS," AS FOUND IN THE GOPHER FILE ENTITLED 
          "OPTIONAL RFP INSTRUCTIONS AND PROVISIONS." 

If you have any additional questions regarding this RFP, please 
contact Joann Ciufolo through the Internet using the electronic
mail 
address listed above or phone (301)435-0359, facsimile
(301)480-3432. Collect calls will not be accepted.

Sincerely,

/s/

Joann Ciufolo
Contracting Officer

Attachments: 1 - 6

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RFP-NIH-NHLBI-HB-98-04                              Attachment 1
                                                    ------------
I.   Streamlined Technical RFP

     B.    Work Statement and Project Information Background

           STATEMENT OF WORK FOR SOLICITATION PURPOSES
           -------------------------------------------

The contractor shall perform the following tasks:

PHASE I - Transition
-------   
The contractor shall coordinate an orderly and safe transition
from
the current incumbent contractor site to the new location,
including
the transport of stored specimens, data, and all
Government-furnished property.  Contractor shall obtain the
necessary
Department of Transportation (DOT) exemption from the
requirements
of 46 CFR Part 64 regarding Federal hazardous material
transportation law so that specimens shall be moved in the
freezers
in which they are stored.  Relocation of the NHLBI repository
from
the current location (McKesson BioServices, 685 Lofstrand Lane,
Rockville, MD 20850) to the new location shall be completed
before
December 15, 1998.  At the time of repository relocation, it is
estimated that 2.8 million specimens will be stored in 102
freezers
and 4 liquid nitrogen tanks.

In order for the frozen specimens contained in the repository to
be
moved without removal from the freezers in which they are stored,
a
Department of Transportation (DOT) special exemption is
necessary. 
See 49 CFR Ch.1, Subpart B--Exemptions 107.203 for application
instructions.  Without approval of an exemption, all specimens
would
have to be removed from the freezers and placed in certified
hazardous material shipping containers.  Approximately 90 days is
required to obtain such an exemption.  Therefore, offerors should
submit a request to the Department of Transportation for an
exemption following notification by the Contracting Officer that
such application should be requested.  

*****NOTE TO OFFERORS (1)*****

   A plan for the transition phase must be included in the
proposal. 
The plan shall cover the physical relocation of the freezers,
transfer of computer data, files, and existing materials and
supplies.  For this purpose, prior to the move, the contractor
shall
have access to the current repository facilities in order to
inspect
freezers, files, computer resources, and any other equipment,
materials and supplies that must be moved.  Therefore, as a
separate
and distinct part of the technical and business proposals, the
offeror shall provide a detailed plan which describes: (1) how
2.8
million specimens contained in 102 Government-owned freezers and
4
liquid nitrogen chests will be moved and (2) the time and costs
associated with such a move.  To receive a list of
Government-furnished freezers and a floor plan of the existing
repository
space, interested parties should submit a request to the
Contracting
Officer via Internet message (ciufoloj@nih.gov) or via facsimile
at
301-480-3432.******

******************************************

PHASE II    Repository Maintenance
----------------------------------

Task 1 - Maintain Serum, Plasma, and Cell Repository
------
The contractor shall provide facilities and equipment to receive,
store, aliquot, and distribute potentially hazardous biologics
such
as serum, plasma, and cells from individuals infected with AIDS
virus and hepatitis viruses.  The facilities must provide aseptic
and/or sterile conditions as appropriate (Biosafety Level 2
Containment).  The specimens shall be maintained by the
contractor
in freezers at temperatures between -70 degrees and -80 degrees
centigrade. Freezers shall be located in an air-conditioned
facility
with temperatures maintained between 20 degrees and 25 degrees
centigrade (60 degrees to 77 degrees F) when freezers are in
operation.  The contractor shall supply uninterruptible power to
accommodate the refrigerators/freezers and other equipment. 
Freezers shall be connected to a central alarm system monitored
twenty-four hours per day.  The contractor shall provide an
automated temperature monitoring system composed of individual
temperature probes monitored 24 hours a day and controlled by a
master computer, and a plan to ensure that necessary personnel
are
notified in the event of freezer malfunction.  Emergency standby
freezers shall be available in case of mechanical failure of any
portion of storage space.  In addition,  alternative emergency
freezer cooling systems such as a liquid nitrogen system or dry
ice
must be available.  The contractor must have backup electric
generators capable of operating all storage equipment for at
least
48 hours in the event of utility company power failure.  Backup
generators must be tested monthly.  Cell specimens (or tissues)
shall be maintained at liquid nitrogen gas phase, in special
liquid
nitrogen chests.

In order to accommodate the estimated increase of the number of
specimens/vials contained in the repository and the replacement
of
obsolete freezers, the contractor shall purchase approximately
six
freezers per year, using contract funds.  The estimated increase
in
vials will result from the splitting of specimens and arrival of
new
specimens.

*****NOTE TO OFFERORS (2)*****

The existing NHLBI biological specimen repository is stored in 83
Government-owned freezers and 4 liquid nitrogen chests with a
total
capacity of 1,833 cubic feet.  The addition of 19 freezers is
estimated before December 15, 1998 (the date by which the
relocation
of the repository is required) for the following purposes:
Receipt
of approximately 400,000 specimens from a large NHLBI study will
require the addition of 11 freezers, 7 freezers will be added to
accommodate estimated growth of the repository, and replacement
of
one obsolete freezer.  At the time of contract award, it is
projected that 2.8 million specimens will be contained in 102
freezers and 4 liquid nitrogen chests.  These freezers shall be
furnished to the offeror selected for award.**********

*******************************

Task 2 - Preparing Aliquots from Selected Specimens *
------
The contractor shall provide laboratory facilities and personnel
for
dividing the serum or plasma samples into aliquots.   All
requests
for samples are reviewed by the NHLBI.  Once an original specimen
is
identified for distribution, it is thawed and divided into
aliquots,
one of which is sent to the investigator, and the remaining
aliquots
refrozen for later use.  It is estimated that approximately 1,000
specimens shall be divided into 10,000 aliquots annually.

Thus, the size of the repository increases regularly as original
specimens are divided and distributed and new specimens are added
to
the repository.  The handling of all biological specimens and
Government-owned property under this contract shall be in
accordance
with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations. In
addition, in order to provide safety controls for protection to
the
life and health of employees and other persons, the contractor
shall
consult, comply with, and include in all applicable subcontracts,
the following standards, as appropriate:
    1)  Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories,
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease
Control (CDC) and the NIH, DHHS Pub. No. (CDC) 93-8395.   
    2)  Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA),
Publication 29 CFR Part 1910.1030, Occupational Exposure to Blood
Borne Pathogens, Final Rule.

***********************

Task 3 -Prepare and Ship Panels of Aliquots or Specimens *
------
The Project Officer receives and reviews requests from
investigators
for specimens or panels of aliquots.  When a request is approved,
the NHLBI Project Officer will design panels of aliquots or
specimens on the basis of the investigator's experimental needs. 
On
the basis of that design, the Project Officer will provide to the
contractor the information needed to prepare and ship each panel. 
It is estimated that preparation and shipment of approximately 50
panels, containing 100 vials each, will be required annually.  A
list identifying the specimens to be included in a panel will be
provided to the contractor.

The contractor shall prepare the panels as required by the
Project
Officer.  Shipments will require preparation of the panel,
packing
the panel in dry ice, packaging the panel in insulated boxes, and
express shipment (usually by air) to the final destination
(specifically, the approved investigator).  The contractor shall
ship all vials C.O.D.; transportation and postage costs are to be
paid by the recipients from point of carrier receipt.  The
contractor shall verify receipt of the panel by the investigator
both in writing and by phone.  Packaging and shipment shall meet
standards for biologically hazardous materials (see publication
prepared by the International Air Transport Association (IATA),
Dangerous Goods Regulations, 37th edition, 1996 or current
edition).

*********************************

Task 4 - Add Specimens to the Repository *
------
The contractor shall inventory, prepare for storage, package, and
label, as necessary, specimens to be added to the repository. 
The
project officer will specify the dates of arrival of such
specimens,
the number of specimens, and the means of packaging, labeling and
storing these samples as well as the type, number and location of
freezers to be relocated to the contractor's site.  It is
essential
that shipments be coordinated by the contractor so that personnel
will be available to receive the arriving packages and transport
shipment to the NHLBI repository for storage at the required
temperature. 
 
********************************

Task 5 - Performance of Virologic and Serologic Assays *
------
The contractor shall provide the capability to perform (in-house
or
through a subcontractor) serologic and virologic assays for the
evaluation and validation of candidate blood screening tests for
the
detection of transfusion-associated agents. For this purpose,
laboratory biosafety level 2 shall be required, as well as
laboratory personnel with specific training in handling
pathogenic
agents.  

Laboratory personnel, safety practices, and techniques shall be
supplemented by appropriate facility design and engineering
features, safety equipment, and management practices.  The
contractor shall ensure that persons working with these
infectious
agents are aware of potential hazards and strictly adhere to
standard microbiological practices and techniques.  Costs for
these
assays will be negotiated and the contract amount increased as
the
need arises.

The human pathogens for which blood screening tests are being
developed or improved and, therefore, are likely to be involved
in
future assay evaluation and validation procedures, include
hepatitis
viruses, human retroviruses, and agents of transmissible
spongiform
encephalopathies.  Among the serologic and virologic test formats
that the contractor is expected to perform are enzyme
immunoassays,
polymerase chain reactions, immunoblotting, and in situ
hybridization.  It is expected that 500 - 1,000 assays will be
required per year.  

*******************************

Task 6 - Inventory Control
------
The contractor shall update and maintain a computerized inventory
control data base using a desktop personal computer system to
track
and assist in the coordination of the activities under this
contract.  At the time of contract award, the FoxPro data base
will
contain information on approximately 2.1 million specimens.  This
will provide inventory and management information to reflect
activities of the repository, i.e., location of specimens,
aliquoting of specimens, preparation of panels, and addition of
new
specimens.  In addition, the SAS/Repository Management System
(RMS)
inventory and management data base shall reflect activities on
approximately 700,000 specimens including location of specimens,
aliquoting of specimens, preparation of panels, addition of new
specimens, and results of assays performed by outside
investigators
using NHLBI specimens.  The SAS software and license shall be
provided to the contractor by the Government.

******************************

Task 7 - Ensure an Orderly Transition of the NHLBI Biological     
  
------   Specimen Repository to a Successor Contractor

In the event there is a recompetition of the subject contract and
an
organization other than the incumbent is selected for contract
award, incumbent shall assist in ensuring an orderly and safe
transition of the repository from the current location at
(address
of repository at time of relocation) to any successor of this
contract.  This shall include providing repository access to the
new
contractor at mutually agreed upon times.  

***********

*  SPECIAL TRAINING REQUIREMENTS:  
   -----------------------------
Repository personnel involved in tasks 2, 3, 4, and 5 shall have
specific training in handling pathogenic agents and dealing with
potential hazards of the pathogens likely to be involved in the
operation of the repository.

********************************************************************
********************************************************************

PROJECT INFORMATION
-------------------

Background:  

The initial contract to maintain the NHLBI biological specimen
repository was awarded October 15, 1975, for receiving, storing
and
distributing specimens from the TTV study.  This contract was
subsequently recompeted in 1982, in 1987, and in 1991
respectively. 
The NHLBI plans to add to the repository additional collections
of
biological specimens which have been or will be established
during
epidemiologic and clinical studies presently supported or to be
supported by the Institute.
  
Since then, the NHLBI has initiated a number of
multi-institutional
prospective studies including the epidemiology of
transfusion-associated AIDS [the Transfusion Safety Study (TSS)],
sero-epidemiology of other human retroviruses in blood donors
(REDS), pulmonary consequences of HIV infection, clinical studies
of
tissue plasminogen activator therapy in myocardial infarctions
(TIMI
trial), cooperative study of Sickle Cell Disease, and the
NHLBI/NIAID/NICHD passive immunotherapy clinical trial with
HIV-positive pregnant women.  In these studies, specimens of
blood
components (plasma, serum, and cellular materials) are being
collected and preserved for future use.

Objective:  

This initiative relates to an ongoing project which is part of
the
Safety of Blood Therapy subprogram of the Blood Resources program
through which the Division of Blood Diseases and Resources
supports
research on the development of methods to detect various
transfusion-transmitted viruses to ensure the safety of blood,
blood
components, and blood derivatives.  The objective of this project
is
to provide biological specimens to the scientific community for
use
in a variety of research projects.  Research may center around
evaluation of more sensitive tests for HIV, evaluation of newly
identified agents, the study of hemostatic changes during and
immediately after myocardial infarction, evaluation of hemostatic
differences between patients whose vessels remain patent after
thrombolytic therapy and those who suffer reclosure, studies on
the
etiology of thrombotic thrombocytopenia purpura, etc.

                      <END OF ATTACHMENT 1>
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RFP-NIH-NHLBI-HB-98-04                                 
ATTACHMENT 2
                                                       
------------

I.  Streamlined Technical RFP

    C.  Deliverables and Reporting Requirements
        ---------------------------------------

TECHNICAL PROGRESS REPORTS
--------------------------
In addition to the required reports set forth elsewhere, the 
preparation and submission of regularly recurring Technical
Progress 
Reports will be required in any contract resulting from this 
solicitation. The Contractor shall submit to the Contracting
Officer
and to the Project Officer technical progress reports covering
the
work accomplished during each reporting period.  These reports
are
subject to technical inspection and requests for clarification by
the Project Officer.  These shall be brief and factual and
prepared
in accordance with the following format:

1.   Quarterly Progress Report:  This report shall include
descriptive information on activities in the repository during
the
reporting period.  The reporting period consists of the first
full
three months of performance plus any fractional part of the
initial
month.  Thereafter, the reporting period shall consist of three
full
calendar months.  This report shall include the following:

     a.   the number of vials stored on the first and last days
of   
          the reporting period;
     b.   the number of vials prepared during the reporting
period; 
     c.   a list of panels prepared and shipped during the
reporting 
          period including, for each panel:
          1)  number of specimens (vials),
          2)  date of shipment,
          3)  date of receipt of shipment, and
          4)  problems with any shipment;
     d.   maintenance problems encountered and corrective actions 
  
          taken; 
     e.   needs for replacement or repair of government-furnished 
  
          equipment; and

2.   Final Report:  Cumulative information for period of
performance 
of all information included in quarterly progress reports.

DELIVERY SCHEDULE
-----------------

Copies of the technical progress reports shall be submitted as
follows:

Item Description; Quantity; Delivery Schedule

1.  Quarterly Progress Report; 2 copies to the Project Officer
(PO), 
    1 copy to the Contracting Officer (CO); quarterly during
period  
    of performance.

2.  Final Report; 2 copies to the Project Officer (PO), 1 copy to 
  
    the Contracting Officer (CO); on or before expiration of      
  
    contract.        

3.  All stored biological specimens, data files, computerized     
  
    listings of accurate and updated information on inventory,
data  
    bases, original data, and any necessary information related   
  
    thereto; all contract related;(to be determined); on or
before   
    expiration of contract.

4.  Labeled and inventoried paper files; all contract related;(to
be 
    determined); on or before expiration of contract.

5.  Government-owned equipment and property; all contract     
related;(to be determined); on or before expiration of contract.  

*********************************

Deliverables shall be sent to the following addresses:

Project Officer
---------------                   
Blood Resources Program
Division of Blood Diseases & Resources
National Heart, Lung, & Blood Institute
6701 Rockledge Drive, MSC 7950, Room 10146
Bethesda, MD 20892-7950

Shipping, Deliveries and Couriers:

6701 Rockledge Drive
Rockledge Two, 10th Floor, Room 10146
Bethesda, MD 20817

         AND

Contracting Officer 
-------------------             
BDR Contracts Section
Contracts Operations Branch
National Heart, Lung, & Blood Institute
6701 Rockledge Drive, MSC 7902, Room 6140
Bethesda, MD 20892-7902

Shipping, Deliveries and Couriers:

6701 Rockledge Drive
Rockledge Two, 6th Floor, Room 6140
Bethesda, MD 20817

                          <END OF ATTACHMENT 2>

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RFP-NIH-NHLBI-HB-98-04                                 
ATTACHMENT 3
                                                       
------------

I.  Streamlined Technical RFP

    D.  Special Requirements
                        
       1. EQUIPMENT

          The Government does not plan to purchase any major
equipment (except for additional freezers to accommodate growth
of
the repository and replacement of Government-furnished freezers
in
lieu of repair if cost effective) nor to support alteration or
renovation of space to complete the objectives of the contract. 
Thus, items of equipment and functional space or facilities
necessary to perform the contract must be furnished by the
offeror
and available for use during the course of the contract.  Items
typically required in addition to housing for the freezers are
listed below:
          a.  Autoclaves
          b.  Microbiological laboratory
          c.  Laminar flow hoods
          d.  Low temperature freezers
          e.  Centrifuges
          f.  Refrigerators
          g.  Packaging and shipping area
          h.  Computer equipment and software

      2.  BIOHAZARD CONTAINMENT

          Standard precautions for biohazard containment must be
observed in  the work proposed.  See HHS Publication No. (NIH)
88-8395, entitled  "Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical
Laboratories", 2nd  Edition, May 1988. 

       3. GOVERNMENT FURNISHED MATERIALS AND FACILITIES;
GOVERNMENT 
          PROPERTY

          The Government will initially provide approximately 102
freezers and 4 liquid nitrogen chests with a total capacity of
2,500
cubic feet.  In general, approximately 80 percent of the total
capacity of the Government-owned freezers will be occupied with
specimens.  The contractor shall be responsible for the
maintenance
of all  Government-furnished equipment.

The Government will furnish computerized repository specimen 
inventory records and data files.  In addition, SAS software and 
license will be provided to the contractor by the Government.

       4. SAFETY AND HEALTH

          The NHLBI Blood Specimen Repository contains material
potentially infected with hepatitis B virus, the agent of non-A,
non-B hepatitis, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and human
T-cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV-I).  Biosafety Level 2
practices, 
containment equipment, and facilities are recommended for all 
activities utilizing body fluids and tissues potentially infected 
with these viruses.  These recommended precautions are described
in 
HHS Publication No. 88-8395, Biosafety in Microbiological and 
Biomedical Laboratories.  PHS 352.223-70 will be included in the 
contract.

       5. PACKAGING, MARKING, AND SHIPPING

          All deliverables required under this contract shall be
packaged, marked, and shipped in accordance with Government
specifications.  The contractor shall guarantee that all required
materials shall be delivered in immediately useable and
acceptable
condition. (Refer to IATA publication "Dangerous Goods
Regulations",
37th edition, 1996 or current edition.)

                        <END OF ATTACHMENT 3>

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RFP-NIH-NHLBI-HB-98-04                                 
ATTACHMENT 4
                                                       
------------

I.  Streamlined Technical RFP

    E. Evaluation Factors for Award, with Technical Evaluation
       Criteria

EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD
----------------------------

The technical proposal will receive paramount consideration in
the 
selection of the Contractor for this acquisition.  In the event
that 
the technical evaluation reveals that two or more offerors are 
approximately equal in technical ability, then cost and/or past 
performance, in that order of importance may become the
determining 
factor(s) in the award decision.  In any event, the Government 
reserves the right to make an award to the best advantage of the 
Government, cost and other factors considered; but the technical 
proposal will be the basis for the award decision, if possible.

The evaluation will be based on the demonstrated capabilities of
the 
prospective Contractors in relation to the needs of the project
as 
set forth in the RFP.  The merits of each proposal will be
evaluated 
carefully.  Each proposal must document the feasibility of 
successful implementation of the requirements of the RFP. 
Offerors 
must submit information sufficient to evaluate their proposals
based 
on the detailed criteria listed below.

The Government will evaluate the quality of the offeror's past 
performance based on information obtained from references
provided 
by the offeror, as well as other relevant past performance 
information obtained from other sources known to the Government. 
Offeror's past performance will be evaluated after establishment
of 
the competitive range.

Cost will be used as a selection factor if technical ability
cannot
be used as the basis for award decision.

Listed below are the technical evaluation criteria used by the
technical evaluation committee when reviewing technical
proposals.

EVALUATION CRITERIA:
-------------------

1.  Adequacy and availability of facilities and equipment.      
30% 
                                                               
--- 

Documented ability to provide essential facilities and equipment
in
the required time frame to perform the proposed work.  These
include
appropriate repository space and equipment; adequate facility
design
and engineering features to achieve biohazard containment
(laboratory biosafety level 2); and computer equipment and
software
as specified in the Statement of Work.

2.   Managerial coordination plans.                             
30% 
                                                                
--- 
 
An effective plan to coordinate the various aspects of the
storage, 
preparation of aliquots, shipment of biological specimens, and 
conduct of required serologic and virologic assays.  This plan
must 
also include logistics for receiving, processing, and storing 
incoming shipments.  In addition, a plan for compliance with all 
safety guidelines and regulations, including training and
monitoring 
of personnel must be provided.  A plan to move the repository, 
including existing freezers and specimens, within the required
time 
frame and without damage must be included.                        
  
                                                                  
 
                   
3.  Qualifications, experience, and                             
30% 
    availability of proposed personnel.                        
---

Documented technical and administrative competence, experience,
and 
availability of a Principal Investigator to oversee the operation
of 
the NHLBI repository.   Documented availability of experienced 
repository and laboratory personnel necessary to successfully 
perform proposed roles. 

Repository personnel directly involved in the handling of
specimens 
must have documented training in handling pathogenic agents and 
dealing with potential hazards of the pathogens likely to be 
involved in the operation of the repository.

4.  Ability to perform serologic and virologic assays.          
10%
                                                                
---
Demonstrated ability to perform, or subcontract for, virologic
and
serologic assays for the evaluation and validation of candidate
blood screening tests for the detection of transfusion-associated
agents, including enzyme immunoassays, polymerase chain reaction,
immunoblotting, and in situ hybridization.  For this purpose,
laboratory biosafety level 2 shall be required.  Laboratory
personnel must have documented training in handling pathogenic
agents and dealing with potential hazards of the pathogens likely
to
be involved in the testing of samples.
                                                 Total         
100%
                                                
===================

                      <END OF ATTACHMENT 4>
        
              <END OF I. STREAMLINED TECHNICAL RFP>

********************************************************************

THE REMAINDER OF THIS GOPHER RFP CONSISTS OF THE FOLLOWING
SECTIONS:

II.  Specific RFP Instructions and Provisions (Attachment 5), and

III. Applicable RFP References (Attachment 6)

********************************************************************

RFP-NIH-NHLBI-HB-98-04                              Attachment 5
                                                    ------------

II.  Specific RFP Instructions and Provisions
     ----------------------------------------

     NOTICE TO OFFERORS: This attachment contains proposal
instructions and information which are specifically related to
this
acquisition.  The information provided below is only a portion of
the instructions and notices required for the submission of a
proposal.  Reference to additional, more general, information and
forms regarding proposal preparation are contained in Attachment
6,
III. Applicable RFP References.

The following specific RFP instructions and provisions apply to
this 
RFP:
     A.  Proposal Intent Response Sheet (submit prior to proposal 
           submission)
     B.  Packaging and Delivery of Proposal
     C.  SIC Code and Small Business Size Standard
     D.  Number and Type of Award
     E.  Pre-Proposal Conference
     F.  Estimate of Effort
     G.  Service of Protest
     H.  Page Limits
     I.  Safety and Health
     J.  Government Notice for Handling Proposals
     K.  Continued Ban on Funding of Human Embryo Research
     L.  Technical Proposal Table of Contents

*****************************************************************
*****************************************************************

A.   PROPOSAL INTENT RESPONSE SHEET
     ------------------------------

RFP No. NIH-NHLBI-HB 98-04 

TITLE OF RFP:  Maintenance of NHLBI Biological Specimen
Repository

PLEASE REVIEW THE ATTACHED REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL. FURNISH THE
INFORMATION REQUESTED BELOW AND RETURN THIS PAGE BY:  SEPTEMBER
29,
1997.  YOUR EXPRESSION OF INTENT IS NOT BINDING BUT WILL GREATLY
ASSIST US IN PLANNING FOR PROPOSAL EVALUATION.

********************************************************************

I INTEND TO SUBMIT A PROPOSAL

COMPANY/INSTITUTION NAME:

ADDRESS:

PROJECT DIRECTOR'S NAME:

TITLE:

TELEPHONE NUMBER:

NAMES OF COLLABORATING INSTITUTIONS AND INVESTIGATORS

(include Subcontractors and Consultants):

RETURN TO:

Review Branch                      or   FAX TO:  Dr. James
Scheirer
NIH, NHLBI                                       (301) 480-3541
Attention: Dr. James Scheirer
Rockledge Building, Room 7220
6701 ROCKLEDGE DR  MSC 7924
BETHESDA MD  20892-7924

********************************************************************
********************************************************************

************************

B.   PACKAGING AND DELIVERY OF PROPOSALS
     -----------------------------------

Your proposal shall be organized as specified in the Technical
Proposal Table of Contents, below, and as described in the
"Standard
RFP Instructions and Provisions" found in the Gopher Directory
entitled "RFP References."  Shipment and marking shall be as
indicated below.

EXTERNAL PACKAGE MARKING

In addition to the address cited below, mark each package as
follows:

"RFP NO. NHLBI-HB-98-04

 TO BE OPENED BY AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT PERSONNEL ONLY"

NUMBER OF COPIES

The number of copies required of each part of your proposal are
as 
specified below.

TECHNICAL PROPOSAL ONLY --    Original* and Twenty-five (25)
COPIES 

BUSINESS PROPOSAL --          Original* and Six (6) COPIES

COPIES TO:

If hand-delivered or                  If using U.S. Postal 
delivery service:                     Service:

Review Branch                         Review Branch
Division of Extramural Affairs        Division of Extramural
Affairs
National Heart, Lung, and             National Institutes of
Health
  Blood Institute                     National Heart, Lung, and
Rockledge Building, Room 7091           Blood Institute
6701 Rockledge DR MSC 7924            6701 Rockledge DR MSC 7924
Bethesda MD 20817                     Bethesda MD 20892-7924

*THE ORIGINAL PROPOSAL MUST BE READILY ACCESSIBLE FOR DATE
STAMPING.

NOTE:     The U.S. Postal Service's "Express Mail" does not
deliver  
to the Bethesda, Maryland address.  Any package sent to the
Bethesda
address via this services will be held at a local post office for
pick-up.  The Government is not responsible for picking up any
mail
at a local post office.  If a proposal is not received at the
place,
date, and time specified herein, it will be considered a "late 
proposal."

********************

C.   SIC CODE AND SMALL BUSINESS SIZE STANDARD 
     -----------------------------------------

Note:     The following information is to be used by the offeror
in
preparing its Representations and Certifications (see Section C.4
of
the RFP References directory of the Gopher RFP), specifically in
completing the provision entitled, 

SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM REPRESENTATIONS (JAN 1997, FAR 52.219-1:  

The standard industrial classification (SIC) code for this
acquisition is 8731. The small business size standard is 500
employees.

THIS IS NOT SET ASIDE FOR SMALL BUSINESS.  However, the Federal
Acquisition Regulation (FAR) requires in every solicitation,
(except
for foreign acquisitions) the inclusion of the Standard
Industrial
Classification (SIC) Code and corresponding size standard which
best
describes the nature of the requirement in the solicitation.

**********************

D.   NUMBER AND TYPE OF AWARD
     ------------------------

It is anticipated that a single award will be made from this
solicitation and that the award will be made on/about June 15,
1998.

It is anticipated that the award from this solicitation will be a
multiple-year, cost reimbursement, completion type contract with
a
period of performance of six years, and that incremental funding
will be used [see paragraph 6 of Business Proposal Instructions,
in
the "Standard RFP Instructions and Provisions" of the Gopher
RFP].

************************

E.  Pre-Proposal Conference
    -----------------------

A pre-proposal conference will be held with prospective offerors
at:

            6701 Rockledge Drive
            Rockledge Two, Room 9140
            Bethesda, Maryland 20817

     Date:  September 15, 1997

     Time:  10 a.m. to 11:30 am. 

The pre-proposal conference will be held for the purpose of
providing information concerning the Government's requirements
which
may be helpful in the preparation of proposals and for answering
any
questions which you have regarding this solicitation.

The success of this type of conference depends largely on the
lead-time available to the Government for research in connection
with
questions submitted by offerors.  Therefore, you are requested to
submit written questions concerning any areas of uncertainty
which,
in your opinion, require clarification or correction, in
sufficient
time to be received on or before September 10, 1997. 

Questions should be submitted to the Contracting Officer at the
address listed below:
  
U. S. Mail:  Joann A. Ciufolo, Contracting Officer
             BDR Contracts Section
             Contracts Operations Branch
             Division of Extramural Affairs     
             National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
             6701 Rockledge Drive, Rm. 6140
             Bethesda, MD 20892-7902

Internet:    ciufoloj@nih.gov

Facsimile:   301-480-3432

Answers will be furnished simultaneously to all prospective
offerors
whether or not they are in attendance at the pre-proposal
conference. Attendance at the pre-proposal conference is
recommended; however, attendance is not a prerequisite for
proposal
submission and will not be considered a factor in proposal
evaluation.

*************************

F.   ESTIMATE OF EFFORT
     ------------------

It is expected that a completion type contract will be awarded as
a 
result of this RFP.  To assist you in the preparation of your 
proposal, the Government considers the total effort to be
approximately 49,000 hours.  This estimate is furnished for your
information only and is not to be considered restrictive for
proposal purposes.

Phase I:  Transition 
           6 months (July 1998 - December 1998)

Phase II: Repository Maintenance
           6 months (January 1999 - June 1999)
          12 months (July 1999 - June 2000)
          12 months (July 2000 - June 2001)
          12 months (July 2001 - June 2002)
          12 months (July 2002 - June 2003)
          12 months (July 2003 - June 2004)
          
Direct labor devoted to the project must be compatible with the
work
proposed.  Type of personnel included in the estimate are:
principal
investigator, laboratory technician, repository technician,
computer
scientist, and administrative.  

***************************

G.   SERVICE OF PROTEST (OCT 1995) - FAR 52.233-2
     ------------------ 

(1)  Protests, as defined in section 33.101 of the Federal
Acquisition Regulation, that are filed directly  with an agency,
and
copies of any protests that are filed  with the General
Accounting
Office (GAO) or the General Services Administration Board of
Contract Appeals (GSBCA), shall be served on the Contracting
Officer
(addressed as follows) by obtaining written and dated
acknowledgment
of receipt from:  

If hand-delivered or delivery service:

Joann Ciufolo, Contracting Officer                
Contracts Operations Branch
Division of Extramural Affairs     
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute                  
Rockledge Building, Room 6140      
6701 Rockledge DR          
BETHESDA MD 20817                  

If using U.S. Postal Service:

Joann Ciufolo, Contracting Officer                
Contracts Operations Branch        
Division of Extramural Affairs     
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute                  
Rockledge Building, Room 6140      
6701 Rockledge DR MSC 7902         
BETHESDA MD 20892-7902    
              
(2)  The copy of any protest shall be received in the office 
designated above on the same day a protest is filed with the
GSBCA 
or within one day of filing a protest with the GAO.

(3)  In this procurement, you may not protest to the GSBCA
because 
of the nature of the supplies or services being procured.

***********************

(H)  Page Limits

The offerors shall limit their technical proposal response to 125
pages.  The technical approach must be limited to 25 pages.  The
other portions of the proposal, including related experience,
personnel, etc, must be limited to 100 pages.

***********************

(I)  SAFETY AND HEALTH (AUGUST 1997) - PHS 352.223-70

(a)  In order to help ensure the protection of the life and
health
of all persons, as well as to help prevent damage to property,
the
Contractor shall comply with all Federal, State and local laws
and
regulations applicable to the work being performed under the
contract.  These laws are implemented and/or enforced by the
Environmental Protection Agency, Occupational Safety and Health
Administration, and other agencies at the Federal, State and
local
levels (Federal, State and local regulatory/enforcement
agencies).

(b) Further, the Contractor shall take or cause to be taken such
additional safety measures as the Contracting Officer, in
conjunction with the project or other appropriate officers,
determines to be reasonably necessary.  If compliance with such
additional safety measures results in an increase or decrease in
the
cost or time required for performance of any part of work under
this
contract, an equitable adjustment will be made in accordance with
whichever applicable "Changes" Clause as set forth in this
contract
(FAR 52.243-1, Changes - Fixed Price; FAR 52.243-2, Changes -
Cost
Reimbursement; or FAR 52.243-3, changes - Time and Materials or
Labor-Hours).

(c) The Contractor shall maintain an accurate record of, and
promptly report to the Contracting Officer, all accidents or
incidents resulting in the exposure of persons to toxic
substances,
hazardous materials, or hazardous operations; the injury or death
of
any person; and/or damage to property incidental to work
performed
under the contract and all violations for which the contractor
has
been cited by any Federal, State or local regulatory/enforcement
agency.  The report shall include a copy of the notice of
violation
and the findings of any inquiry or inspection, and an analysis
addressing the impact these violations may have on the work
remaining to be performed.  This report shall also state the
required action(s), if any, to be taken to correct any
violation(s)
noted by the Federal, State or local regulatory/enforcement
agency
and the time frame allowed by the agency to accomplish the
necessary
corrective action.

(d) If the Contractor fails or refuses to comply promptly with
the
Federal, State or local regulatory/enforcement agency's
directive(s)
regarding any violations(s) and prescribed corrective action(s),
the
Contracting Officer may issue an order stopping all or part of
the
work until satisfactory corrective action (as approved by the
Federal, State or local regulatory/enforcement agencies) has been
taken and documented to the Contracting Officer.  No part of the
time lost due to any such stop work order shall be subject to a
claim for extension of time or costs or damages by the
Contractor.

(e) The Contractor shall insert the substance of this clause in
each
subcontract involving toxic substances, hazardous materials, or
hazardous operations.  Compliance with the provisions of this
clause
by subcontractors will be the responsibility of the Contractor.

***************************

(J)  GOVERNMENT NOTICE FOR HANDLING PROPOSALS
     ----------------------------------------

AN OFFEROR SHALL PLACE THIS NOTICE ON TOP OF EACH COPY OF ITS
TECHNICAL PROPOSAL.

This proposal shall be used and disclosed for evaluation purposes
only, and a copy of this Government notice shall be applied to
any
reproduction or abstract thereof.  Any authorized restrictive
notices which the submitter places on this proposal shall be
strictly complied with.  Disclosure of this proposal outside the
Government for evaluation purposes shall be made only to the
extent
authorized by, and in accordance with, the procedures in HHSAR
paragraph 315.608-72.

If authorized in agency implementing regulations, agencies may
release proposals outside the Government for evaluation,
consistent
with the following:

(1)  Decisions to release proposals outside the Government for 
evaluation purposes shall be made by the agency head or designee;

(2)  Written agreement must be obtained from the evaluator that 
the
information (data) contained in the proposal will be used only
for
evaluation purposes and will not be further disclosed;

(3)  Any authorized restrictive legends placed on the proposal by 
the prospective Contractor or subcontractor or by the Government
shall be applied to any reproduction or abstracted information
made
by the evaluator;

(4)  Upon completing the evaluation, all copies of the proposal,
as
well as any abstracts thereof, shall be returned to the
Government
office which initially furnished them for evaluation; and 

(5)  All determinations to release the proposal outside the 
Government take into consideration requirements for avoiding 
organizational conflicts of interest and the competitive 
relationship, if any, between the prospective Contractor or 
subcontractor and the prospective outside evaluator.

The submitter of any proposal shall be provided notice adequate
to
afford an opportunity to take appropriate action before release
of
any information (data) contained therein pursuant to a request
under
the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552); and, time
permitting,
the submitter should be consulted to obtain assistance in
determining the eligibility of the information (data) in question
as
an exemption under the Act.  (See also Subpart 24.2, Freedom of
Information Act.)

*************************

(K) CONTINUED BAN ON FUNDING OF HUMAN EMBRYO RESEARCH

Section 512 of the Fiscal Year 1997 Appropriations Act contains
language identical to that contained in the Fiscal Year 1996
Balanced Budget Down Payments Act I (P.L. 104-99) that prohibits
NIH
from using appropriated funds to support human embryo research. 
Contract funds may not be used for (1) the creation of a human
embryo or embryos for research purposes; or (2) research in which
a
human embryo or embryos are destroyed, discarded, or knowingly
subjected to risk or injury or death greater than that allowed
for
research on fetuses in utero under 45 CFR 46.208(a)(2) and
Section
498(b) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 289G(B)).  The
term, human embryo or embryos, include any organism, not
protected
as a human subject under 45 CFR 46 as of the date of the Act,
that
is derived by fertilization, partenogenesis, cloning, or any
other
means from one or more human gametes.

**********************

(L)  TECHNICAL PROPOSAL TABLE OF CONTENTS/FORMAT
     -------------------------------------------

RFP-NIH-NHLBI-HB-98-04                 

(Note: Instructions to offerors are indicated in parentheses or
as
footnotes.)
                TECHNICAL PROPOSAL TABLE OF CONTENTS
                ------------------------------------
                                                       Page
Numbers

1.   Technical Proposal Cover Sheet..(Format found in Section C
of   
    
Gopher:FORMS,FORMATS,ATTACHMENTS)............................
2.   Technical Proposal Table of Contents (THIS
DOCUMENT)..........
3.   Summary of Objective and Methods
(Abstract)*,**................
4.   Technical Plan (Refer to Technical Proposal Instructions,    
  
     Section C.1., Standard RFP Instructions and Provisions,
Gopher  
    
RFP)**.........................................................
     a. Statement of Work 
        1. Objective ..........(Items a.1 through a.4
.............  
        2. Approach ........... are not to exceed 25
pages)........  
        3. Methods
................................................  
        4. Schedule
...............................................  
     b. Personnel ***
        1. List of All Personnel on the Project, including        
  
           Subcontractors, Consultants/Collaborators, by Name,    
  
           Title, and Organization                                
  
        2. Principal Investigator/Project Director                
  
        3. Other Key Staff                                        
  
        4. Additional Personnel                                   
  
     c. Resources and Facilities                                  
  
     d. Other Considerations (use specifically titled             
  
        subparagraphs, as applicable)                             
  
5.   Other Support
................................................  
    (Refer to "Summary of Current and Proposed Activities" in the 
  
     FORMS, FORMATS, ATTACHMENTS Directory found in the RFP       
  
     References directory of the Gopher RFP)                      
  
6.   Technical Proposal Cost Information
.........................   
     (Format in Gopher RFP, RFP References, FORMS, FORMATS,&      
  
      ATTACHMENTS)                                                
  
7.   Literature
Cited..............................................  
8.   Appendices
...................................................

*    State the proposal's broad, long-term objectives and
specific
aims.  Describe concisely the research design and methods for
achieving these goals.  DO NOT EXCEED one page in providing the
abstract.  Identify the RFP Number, Organization, and Principal
Investigator on the abstract.

**   Type density and size must be 10 to 12 points.  If constant
spacing is used, there should be no more than 15 CPI, whereas 
proportional spacing should provide and average of no more than
15
CPI.  There must be no more than six lines of text within a 
vertical inch.

***  An individual resume should not exceed two pages.

         <END OF II. SPECIFIC RFP INSTRUCTIONS AND PROVISIONS>

********************************************************************
********************************************************************

RFP-NIH-NHLBI-HB-98-04                              Attachment 6
                                                    ------------

III. Applicable RFP References
     -------------------------

This file or section identifies the items in the RFP References
Gopher directory that are applicable to this RFP.  

A.   The entire file entitled "STANDARD RFP INSTRUCTIONS AND      
  
     PROVISIONS" is applicable to this RFP, except as otherwise   
  
     may be modified by the inclusion of an item from the 
     "OPTIONAL RFP INSTRUCTIONS AND PROVISIONS".

B.   The following items are applicable from the Gopher file      
  
     entitled "OPTIONAL RFP INSTRUCTIONS AND PROVISIONS":         
  
     1. Late Proposals, Modifications of Proposals, and
Withdrawals  
        of Proposals, PHS 352.215-10.
     2. Small Business and Small Disadvantaged Business           
  
        Subcontracting Plan.  Note: A subcontracting plan is not
due 
        with the initial proposal.  The Contracting Officer will  
  
        notify offerors if a plan becomes due.                    
  
     3. Past Performance Information.  Since past performance
will   
        be evaluated as part of the source selection if technical 
  
        proposals are equal and a decision cannot then be made on 
  
        the basis of cost, this item is applicable.               
  
   4. Facilities Capital Cost of Money.                           
C.   The following items/files are applicable from the            
  
     subdirectory entitled "FORMS, FORMATS, AND ATTACHMENTS":     
  

Applicable to TECHNICAL PROPOSAL
--------------------------------
     1. Technical Proposal Cost Information  
     2. Summary of Current and Proposed Activities
     3. Technical Proposal Table of Contents (See above)
     4. Technical Proposal Cover Sheet

Applicable to BUSINESS PROPOSAL 
-------------------------------
     5. Contract Pricing Proposal, SF 1411  
     6. Proposal Summary and Data Record, NIH-2043  
     7. Disclosure of Lobbying Activities, OMB Form SF-LLL 
     8. Business Proposal Cost Information

To Become CONTRACT ATTACHMENTS
------------------------------
     9. Invoice/Financing Requests Instructions for NIH Cost-
        Reimbursement Type Contracts, NIH(RC)-1, Jun. 1992.
    10. Form NIH 2706 (Financial Report) and Instructions for     
  
        Completing Form NIH 2706.
    11. Procurement of Certain Equipment, NIH(RC)-7 (OMB Bulletin 
        81-16), Apr. 1984.  

Others to be submitted as directed by Contracting Officer
---------------------------------------------------------
    12. Certificate of Current Cost or Pricing Data, NIH-1397.  

D.   The Representations and Certifications are applicable and
          must be submitted with the offeror's business proposal.

E.   The "Sample Contract Format-General" is applicable.

              <END OF III. APPLICABLE RFP REFERENCES>

********************************************************************
  
                   <END OF RFP-NIH-NHLBI-HB-98-04>

********************************************************************
.