The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute intends to negotiate on a non-competitive basis with the Coordinating Center and Field Centers for the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study. Specifically, the contractors include the following: Coordinating Center- University of Alabama in Birmingham; Field Centers- University of Alabama in Birmingham, University of Minnesota, Northwestern University, and Kaiser Foundation Research Institute. This effort will be for a five year follow-up contract for the CARDIA study. Since the initiation of the CARDIA study in 1983 a total of 5,115 men and women from four communities across the U.S. have been recruited, examined, and followed for changes in and development of coronary heart disease risk factors and development of atherosclerosis in young adults. The main goal of the study renewal is to identify risk factors for and assess racial differences in the development and progression of subclinical abnormalities. The continued follow-up and examination of the CARDIA study will address the following five objectives: 1. Assess the impact of timing and varying levels of risk factors throughout young adulthood on the development of subclinical ventricular, vascular, and pulmonary function abnormalities in mid-life 2. Examine young adult antecedents and consequences of obesity and the longitudinal relationships and interactions among adiposity, insulin resistance, and inflammation 3. Identify determinants and trajectories of subclinical disease development in women during menopause transition compared to men of similar age 4. Further assess the basis for racial differences in subclinical disease development 5. Provide a platform for in-depth ancillary studies in cardiovascular and other areas These contracts will require an extensive comparison of the ongoing study, which will cover examination and follow-up of the cohort. This will involve administering an eighth clinical examination of the surviving members of the original participants; continued performance of follow-up for morbidity and mortality; and performance of comprehensive laboratory and statistical activities, data analysis, and scientific publications efforts utilizing CARDIA data. The incumbent contractors have the unique capability to provide the required services to the NHLBI. (See NOTE 22.) The statutory authority applicable to this solicitation is 41 USC 253(c) (1) as set forth in FAR 6.302-1. A sources sought notice for any new technical requirements of the examination component will be announced on the Federal Business Opportunities website at a later date. This notice of intent will close forty-five days after posting. The estimated award date will be October 1, 2008. All responsible sources may submit written capability statements demonstrating their ability to perform this research effort on the same study participants. Responses providing insufficient information for evaluation will not be considered. This is not a request for proposals. Any interested parties in this or related subcontracting opportunities should contact either the Contracting Officer, Cheryl Jennings,
[email protected], 301-435-0347 or the Contracts Specialist, Jeffrey Williams,
[email protected], at 301-435-0338 for further details.