Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) intends to award a sole source firm-fixed-price contract to the University of Hawaii for the analysis of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) whole body, proximal femur, anterior/posterior lumbar spine, instant vertebral assessment scans of lateral spine and anterior/posterior spine using Hologic, Inc. software and hardware for compatibility with DXA data previously collected.
This is a request for a sole source procurement to obtain the services of the University of Hawaii for analysis of whole body, proximal femur, anterior/posterior lumbar spine, instant vertebral assessment DXA scans of the lateral spine and anterior/posterior spine using Hologic, Inc., The Hologic Discovery A fan beam X-ray bone densitometers have been used to measure bone density in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) since 1988 and total body composition since 1999. Due to compatability and consistency of methods, codes, and their unique QA and QC procedures over the years, the Univeristy of Hawaii has the only experienced principal investigator who meets the government's requirement for valid, reliable, reproducible, rapid, and reportable results.
This contract action is for supplies or services for which the Government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source under the authority of FAR 6.302-1. Interested entities may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement or submit proposals.
This notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotations; however, all quotations/responses received by 10:00 AM EST on 01/29/2018 as a result of this notice will be considered by the government. A determination by the government not to compete this proposed contract based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the government. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. Any quotation/response should be emailed to hbish@cdc.gov by the response deadline.
The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) Program, administered by the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), collects information on the health of the civilian, noninstitutionalized U.S. population. Each NHANES includes interviews in respondents' homes, and private interviews, laboratory assessments, and physical examinations in mobile examination centers (MECs). Each MEC is comprised of four interconnected trailer units. The MECs are owned by the Federal government and staffed by data collection contractor staff through a separate contractual agreement.
NCHS conducted seven NHANES between 1960 and 1994. In 1999 NHANES became a continuous survey. Each year approximately 7,000 individuals of all ages are interviewed in their homes; of these approximately 5,000 complete the health examination component of the survey. While a nationally representative sample of the U.S. civilian noninstitutionalized population is selected each survey year, two or more years of data are necessary to obtain adequate sample sizes for subgroup analysis.
The content of the health examination has varied between surveys. Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was included for the first time in the NHANES during NHANES III, 1988-94. Femoral bone mineral density was assessed at that time using pencil-beam bone densitometers (Hologic QDR 1000) in the MECs. In 1999, the DXA component included whole body DXA scans using Hologic QDR 4500A fan-beam bone densitometers. Collection of whole body scans continued through 2005. In 2005, scans of the proximal femur and anterioposterior (AP) or lumbar spine were added. In 2013, instant vertebral assessment (IVA) scans of the lateral spine and AP spine were added. An average of 3,600 persons age 8 years and older complete the DXA component each year, although this number has varied. In 2017 and 2018 DXA component includes whole body, spine and femur scans. In addition to the information provided by DXA, anthropometric data are collected on all examined persons.
The NHANES DXA data are used to examine age, sex, and race differences in body composition (bone mineral, lean soft tissue, and fat mass) during the life cycle and to explore the relationship between body composition and behavioral factors such as diet and physical activity and physiologic factors such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Bone measurements from DXA enhance the evaluation of skeletal health in the U.S. population by providing estimates of osteoporosis and nationally representative data on BMD for ages 8 years and older. Femur BMD and questionnaire fracture history information will be used in a risk assessment model to assess absolute fracture risk. The IVA lateral and AP spine images also will provide information on vertebral fractures and abdominal aortic calcification for participants ages 40 years and older.
Prior to conducting the DXA examination, examinees are screened for safety and medical contraindications (e.g., pregnancy, recent medical tests with contrast material, metal sutures, implanted devices, etc.)
Howard D. Bish, Phone 4123865848, Email hbish@cdc.gov
