The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) supports research related to basic understanding of microbiology and immunology leading to the development of vaccines and novel therapeutic agents for the prevention and treatment of infectious and immune-mediated diseases, and improvements in public health. As part of its research program to improve defense against potential agents of bioterrorism, the NIAID seeks to establish Immune Modeling Centers. These multi-disciplinary Centers will develop novel or improved highly predictive mathematical models to define host immune responses to infection, as well as vaccination and other therapeutic interventions used to protect against NIAID Category A, B and C Priority Pathogens (http://www.niaid.nih.gov/biodefense/bandc_priority.htm). In some cases, immunological mechanisms relevant to biodefense are broadly applicable for many pathogens and may be most efficiently studied using model systems. Inclusion of immunological research that is not directed specifically at NIAID Category A, B and C Priority Pathogens or their products is responsive to this solicitation if it directly addresses a practical approach to developing mathematical models to define host immune responses to infection, as well as vaccination and other therapeutic interventions against NIAID Category A, B, or C pathogens. Knowledge gained from these studies will advance our understanding of the delicate balance required to induce protective immunity and guide laboratory experiments of host immune responses against infectious agents. Results obtained from these programs will sharpen our assessments of vaccine efficacy and responses to other prophylactic and therapeutic treatments, and will advance development of novel or improved vaccines, prophylactics, and immunotherapeutics against NIAID Category A, B and C Priority Pathogens. It is anticipated that two to three (2-3) cost-reimbursement, completion type contracts will be awarded for a period of five (5) years, beginning approximately July 29, 2005. RFP-NIH-NIAID-DAIT-BAA-05-10 will be available electronically on or about August 20, 2004, and may be accessed through the NIAID Contract Management Branch (CMB) Home Page by using the following electronic address and instructions: NIAID/CMB Home Page (via the WWW): Use http://www.niaid.nih.gov/contract to access the NIAID/CMB Home Page. Once at the NIAID/CMB Home Page, click on the "RFPs" link and then click on " RFP-NIH-NIAID-DAIT-BAA-05-10." Please note that the RFP has been revised to include only the Work Statement, Deliverable and Reporting Requirements, Special Requirements, Technical Evaluation Criteria, and the Specific RFP Instructions and Provisions. All information required for the submission of an offer will be contained in the electronic RFP package. Responses to this RFP will be due on November 23, 2004. Any responsible offeror may submit a proposal for consideration by the Government. This advertisement does not commit the Government to award a contract. No collect calls will be accepted. Point of Contact Robert J. Singman, Contract Specialist, Phone 301-451-2607, Fax 301-480-4675, [email protected] or Carl A. Newman, Contracting Officer, Phone 301-496-8371, Fax 301-402-0972, [email protected].

Bid Protests Not Available