AN41--Research Study Services - Postmortem Human Brain Tissue Specimens

The Veterans Health Administration is intending to negotiate a sole source contract with Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, Inc. for the provision of frozen postmortem brain tissue specimens. The contractor will provide 190 specimens from the ventral frontal cortex white matter, with two aliquots per case, for a VA Merit-funded project. The project aims to assess the contribution of inflammatory processes in the brains of suicide decedents at the molecular level and identify genetic factors that contribute to inflammation and risk of suicide. The contractor will be required to identify and dissect the appropriate brain region for viable specimens, prepare the dissection area and equipment, and deliver the specimens to Dr. Haghighi's laboratory. Some key points to consider: • The contract is for one year. • The contractor must provide 190 specimens from the ventral frontal cortex white matter. • The specimens must be frozen and delivered to Dr. Haghighi's laboratory to maintain sample integrity. • The contractor must have expertise in handling and dissecting postmortem brain tissue specimens. • The project has a high translational relevance for research into suicide risk and prevention in US Veterans.