The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) intends to award a sole source contract to Penn State University, 115 Henning Building University Park, PA 16802 for Bordetella pertussis Molecular Mechanisms of Transmission research. The statutory authority for this sole source acquisition is 41 U.S.C. 3304(a)(1), as set forth in FAR 6.302-1, Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services will Satisfy Agency Requirements. The NAICS code for this procurement is 541712, with a size standard of 500 employees. The period of performance will be 24 months (Base Year plus one (1) Option Year).

This research is targeted at understanding the mechanisms involved in rapid transmission that is driving the ongoing resurgence of Bordetella pertussis. We will use the natural-host transmission experimental system we have recently established with B. bronchiseptica in mice. In this powerful and efficient experimental system we will define the role of each of the many known "virulence factors" that have never been tested for their roles in transmission. In addition, we will determine the mechanistic basis for this effect by discriminating between effects on shedding from an infected host and colonization of an exposed host. In this way we will define the stage of the transmission process at which each identified "transmission factor" acts.

Dr. Harvill at Penn State University demonstrates a unique capability of the source to provide the particular research services proposed. Having worked with various Bordetella species, including B. bronchiseptica and B. pertussis, for over two decades, he and his group innovated the transmission assay and the mechanistic evaluation of shedding and colonization stages of transmission. No other group has demonstrated the ability to use this assay to study transmission in the extraordinarily efficient mouse model. Pig and baboon models are not practical for the screening of dozens of mutants to identify the key factors involved in transmission ("transmission factors").

This contract will identify factors involved in transmission, greatly increasing our understanding of the process and the mechanisms involved as well as providing targets that can be used for vaccines, therapeutics and potentially prophylactics to prevent transmission of Bordetella species. We expect to:
a.)Identify roles for the known "virulence factors" in this novel assay for transmission, thereby defining a new class of "transmission factors",
b.)Define the role of each "transmission factor" in shedding from infected host,
c.)Define the role of each "transmission factor" in colonization of an exposed host,
d.)Provide a list of the most important "transmission factors" that can be used to guide experiments in the baboon-B. pertussis model to determine their roles in aerosol transmission between physically separated cages.

The work to be carried out under this contract covers two distinct areas of expertise:
a.)Molecular biology and analysis of individual bacterial mutants.
b.)Experimental mouse work evaluating transmission, shedding and colonization of the respiratory tract.

As a result of this synopsis, no competitive solicitation will be posted in FedBizOpps. The Government will issue only one solicitation to Penn State University. However, all responsible sources that believe they can meet these requirements may submit a capability statement to Thaddeus Rollins via EMAIL ONLY at [email protected] with the solicitation number RFP 2015-N-17244 referenced in the subject line NO LATER THAN August 06, 2015 to be considered by CDC. All requests must be in writing. TELEPHONE CALLS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed contract will be based on responses to this notice and are solely within the discretion of the Contracting Officer.

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