Request for Proposal

NMDP Announces RFP to Perform High Resolution HLA Class I and II Typing

The National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) is pleased to announce their intention to release a Request for Proposal (RFP) for high resolution DNA-based HLA typing at the class I (HLA-A, B, C) and class II (HLA-DRB, DQ, DP) loci. This HLA typing data will be included in the NMDP's ongoing Donor/Recipient Pair HLA typing project.

The NMDP is expanding the annual volume of this project and is interested in subcontracting with additional laboratories. The RFP is expected to be released by January 14, 2002, with a projected award in the second quarter of calendar year 2002.

This HLA typing project is aimed at scientists, physicians and researchers interested in providing DNA-based high resolution HLA typing services on donor/recipient paired samples and interested in investigating HLA/histocompatibility related success factors in the transplantation of unrelated Hematopoietic Stem Cells (HSCs).

Primary consideration will be given to laboratories that have documented experience with DNA-based high resolution HLA typing of either class I and/or class II loci, that offer innovative HLA typing strategies, and that show an interest in conducting research based on the results produced through the project.

Applicants need not have prior NMDP experience, though an understanding of the goals, objectives and processes of the NMDP may be helpful in successfully performing on an award. A qualifying pre-test will be required of those laboratories that have not participated as a NMDP Donor/Recipient Pair Project HLA typing laboratory within the past two years. Any laboratory that bids must be willing to successfully type a minimum of 50 samples within the anticipated one-year period of performance. Offers will be made to laboratories based on a technical review by an outside panel, on an analysis of the prices submitted, and on other considerations.

For more information:

John Fairall, Senior Contracts Representative,
National Marrow Donor Program,
3001 Broadway Street, NE, Suite 500,
Minneapolis, MN 55413-1753
Phone (612) 362-3492 or 1-800-627-5800
Fax (612) 362-3415
e-mail at jfairall@nmdp.org

Requests to be included on the bidders' list must include the name of the organization, a mailing address appropriate for receipt of documents from a private delivery service (no PO box), the names of investigator and business contact, and the telephone numbers for both the investigator and the business contact.

Deadline