Special Notice of Intent to Sole-Source: Statistical Analysis Services in Support of Cancer Research Using US Census Bureau Population data.

Notice ID: 75N91021Q00203

Contract Opportunity Type: Special Notice

Product Service Code: B524 - special studies / analysis mathematical / statistical

NAICS: 541690 - other scientific and technical consulting services - $16.5 million

Background

The National Cancer Institute, Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences (DCCPS), Surveillance Research program (SRP) is a national leader in the science of cancer surveillance as well as analytical tools and methodological expertise in collecting, analyzing, interpreting, and disseminating reliable population-based cancer statistics. The SRP regularly uses data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau as part of its research programs. To support these efforts, the SRP seeks statistical analytical services to explore strategies to adjust for errors on estimating cancer rates.

Details regarding the specifications for this acquisition can be found in Attachment 1 – Statement of Work.

The response close date of this notice is in accordance with FAR 5.203(a)(1). This acquisition  will be awarded pursuant to the authority in FAR 13.106-1(b)(1) using simplified acquisition procedures. It is exempt from the requirements of FAR Part 6.

This notice is not a request for competitive quotation; however, if any interested party – especially any small business – believes it can meet this requirement, it may submit a capability statement for the Government to consider. The response and any other information furnished must be in writing and must contain material in sufficient detail to allow NCI to determine if the party can perform the requirement.

The NCI intends to make a sole-source award to the contractor:

Jiming Jiang
44731 Garden Ct.
El Macero, CA 95618

Jiming Jiang has a demonstrated understanding of two statistical research areas required to fulfill the requirements of this order:

1. The statistical impact of errors in the population denominators on estimating cancer rates and cancer rate ratios; and
2. The statistical Monte Carlo process from which the U.S. Census Bureau have developed the 2020 DP DAS.

The area of cancer rate inference is a very specialized field. Commercial organizations do not typically engage in this type of research, and thus experience with these methods is very limited. In order to successfully complete the work in this order, the contractor must have a demonstrated understanding of novel statistical methods of correcting for bias in cancer rate inference caused by sampling errors in the population data. While there are other sources with the technical expertise in the Monte Carlo simulation, these sources lack the understanding of cancer rate statistics.

Additionally, the NCI has contracted with Jiang to develop statistical inference methods for age-standardized rates (ASR) and ratios of two ASRs when population data used for estimating rates involves sampling errors. These methods are necessary when population data are not available from the U.S. Decennial Census and must be estimated from national sample surveys, such as the American Community Survey. Research has shed light on similarities between sampling errors and DP errors under general settings.

The SRP now seeks to explore strategies to adjust for DP errors on estimating cancer rates. This extension in research is imperative and important: without the proper adjustments, cancer rates calculated based on DP-modified 2020 census data will likely be biased, and the bias can mislead the allocation of health care resources and subsequently hinder achieving public health objectives. 

To ensure the consistency of the NCI’s methodology and thus the consistency of the results of the institute’s research, similar methodologies must be developed for this project. Procuring these services from a different source would result in delays to the overall project, as any new contractor would need to develop the requisite expertise in cancer rate statistics and become familiar with the previous efforts form previous orders.

Response Instructions

Responses must be received in the contracting office by the deadline stated in this notice. All responses and/or questions must be submitted via e-mail to Renee Jones-Chuang, Contract Specialist, at renee.jones-chuang@nih.gov.

A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed requirement based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. In order to receive an award, contractors must be registered and have valid certification through SAM.gov and have representations and certifications completed.

Responses should include both the STATEMENT OF CAPABILITY and the BUSINESS SIZE AND SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS information as explained below.

Requested Information:

(1) Statement of Capability: Submit a brief description (10-pages or fewer) that includes product specifications. Include past experience with performing this type of service for Government agencies, or for a private medical facility. Please indicate your address.

(2) Business Size and Socio-Economic Status:

• (a) Indicate whether your organization is a small business or other-than-small business.
• (b) If small, indicate if your firm qualifies as a small, emerging business; or a small disadvantaged business.
• (c) If disadvantaged, specify under which disadvantaged group and if your firm is certified under Section 8(a) of the Small Business Act.
• (d) Indicate if your firm is a certified HUB-Zone firm.
• (e) Indicate if your firm is a woman-owned or operated business.
• (f) Indicate if your firm is a certified Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) or a Veteran Owned Small Business (VOSB).
• (g) Include the DUNS number of your firm.
• (h) State whether your firm is registered in the System for Award Management (SAM).