The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Office of Acquisition Services intends to award a sole source firm fixed price purchase order to The Washington University School of Medicine In vivo Imaging Core (IVIC) for Imaging of Particle-Induced Lung Inflammation.

This effort requires the contractor to perform in vivo molecular and cellular analyses with live imaging of the dynamics and interactions of cells and molecules during fibrosis development in the lungs. The contractor will be required to use two-photon imaging to (1) to characterize the photoluminescence properties of four particles and (2) to image the inflammatory response to crystalline silica in mouse lungs. Data analysis and output include the original data, IMARIS analysis including time lapse and three-dimensional analysis, and quality data for presentation and publication. Two-photon imaging provides live visualization of the dynamics and spatial interactions of cells and the environment in real time in intact animals. In this approach, the two-photon microscopy offers superior spatiotemporal resolution, greater tissue penetration, and less photo damage than confocal and other imaging approaches. Real-time imaging is achieved by overcoming the constant motion of the lungs and use of highly sensitive and specific fluorescent markers of lung cells and structures.

In vivo two photon imaging of mouse lungs is difficult, in part due to the constant motion of the lungs during respiration in live animals. This would be overcome by using a custom-built two photon microscope specifically designed for lung imaging, which was pioneered by and is only available for service at the In Vivo Imaging Core (IVIC) of The Washington University School of Medicine. This technique enables the observation of time-lapse, in tissue interactions between phagocytes and particles, which is critical for understanding the inflammatory and fibrotic processes inducted by particles in the lung. This procurement action is a continuation of an ongoing, CDC National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA)-funded, research project. The CDC has worked with the IVIC facility in the past to develop specific procedures for imaging and analyzing particle-induced inflammatory and fibrotic processes in mouse lungs. Discontinued support for this request and service will make it impossible to accomplish the goals of the research project in a timely fashion. The IVIC at The Washington University of School of Medicine provides consistency to maximize accuracy and efficiency with results.

This notice is provided in accordance with FAR 5.203(a). This contract action is for supplies or services for which the Government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b) (Simplified Acquisition Procedures) and 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1). Interested persons may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement or submit proposals.

This notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotations; however, all quotations/responses received within the issuance period of this notice will be considered by the Government. 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. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. Any quotation/response should be emailed to the Contracting Officer, Serina Allingham, at xog9@cdc.gov by 5:00 p.m. EST on March 25, 2024.