Public Health Genomics Approach to Cancer

The National Cancer Institute (NCI), a component of the Department of Health and Human Services, is seeking a contractor to support advanced public health genomics research focused on cancer. The primary objective is to retrieve, process, and share genetic variant and exome data from a large cohort of at least 150,000 individuals with linked electronic health records and a cancer registry. Key contract requirements include providing de-identified variant and phenotype data sets, extracting structured and unstructured electronic health record data, conducting manual reviews, and performing genetic variation verification. Potential respondents must submit capability statements electronically to Bryan Dankanich and Kari Peterson by March 29, 2025, at 2:00 PM Eastern. The procurement will use NAICS category 541690 for Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services, with a small business size standard of $19 million.

The pre-solicitation notice indicates potential for a small business set-aside, though no definitive set-aside has been confirmed at this stage. The anticipated performance period spans from February 2026 to February 2031, suggesting a multi-year engagement. Specific contract deliverables include variant data from exome/genome sequencing, phenotype data sets, pathology scrolls for up to 500 individuals annually, and variant verification results. The research aims to quantify pathogenic germline variant prevalence, refine cancer penetrance estimates, characterize cancer phenotypes, and develop gene-specific cancer risk assessments. While specific award values are not disclosed, the complexity and scale of the project involving over 150,000 individual genetic profiles suggest a substantive contract with significant scientific and potential financial scope.