Saliva Analysis

This is a request for information only. The Government is hereby conducting market research on the following existing need: DEVCOM Soldier Center requires technical and theoretical expertise to support ongoing internal research on nutritional and behavioral mitigation strategies for cognitive performance decrements associated with stress. Specifically, support is required for conducting assays on saliva samples collected during cognitive science studies using salivabio oral swab method. These assays shall include but not be limited to:

Cortisol and Alpha-Amylase. The Contractor shall conduct chemical assays of saliva samples collected via salivabio oral swab method.The contractor's primary focus shall be to conduct assays for saliva samples collected during cognitive science studies. The potential contractor shall be able to:

1) For Cortisol, Alpha-Amylase, conduct predetermined enzyme immunoassays (EIAs or ELISA) on the provided saliva samples by salivabio oral swab method.

a) Cortisol shall be measured using EIA (enzyme immunoassay) method with a sensitivity of < 0.007 ?g/dL.

b) Alpha-amylase shall be measured using ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) method with a sensitivity of < 0.4 U/mL.

2) Ensure that all applicable Human Research Institutional Review Board requirements of both the Government and the contractor's institution are met.

3) The contractor shall have demonstrated experience and understanding of the methods of both ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent) and EIA (enzyme immunoassay). And exhibited maintenance of acceptable quality assurance practices and validation practices. The Government will have prepared saliva test samples for analysis delivered to the contractor.