The Vaccine Branch (VB) in the Division of Center for Cancer Research (CRC) of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) is recompeting a full and open contract for support services for research on retroviral pathogenesis, treatment, and prevention.

A key area of research in the VB involves retroviruses, particularly human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the causative agent of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), and Simian Immunodeficiency Virus (SIV). Other viruses are studied as well, including Human T cell leukemia lymphoma virus (HTLV-1/2) and viruses used as vaccine vectors. Vaccine approaches are a major area of research; however studies on viral pathogenesis and treatment are also on-going. Previous contracts have provided critical support to these research endeavors. Contract activities have included provision of retroviruses, purified retroviral and cellular proteins, polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies and cell culture support; and performance of assays to assess the immunological status of research subjects and the virological status of cells and tissues in vivo and in vitro.
 
The proposed contract will continue to provide research support for major research programs of the VB, and will include support activities related to development of vaccines for prevention of retroviral infection, development of treatment strategies for AIDS, and elucidation of mechanisms of retroviral pathogenesis. The scope of this contract is to provide ongoing research support activities in areas including cell culture and virology, immunology, protein biochemistry, molecular biology, storage of biological material and delivery of specimens for the Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, of the National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland.

Some of the major activities of the contractor include:

Part I - Transition In:
Ensure a smooth transition between the incumbent contract and the new award, if required. Transfer relevant files, records, materials, and data; use an appropriately bonded moving agent experienced in secure transfer of biological material; ensure adequate computer service and data storage is available and ensure that equipment is in place for receipt and storage of biological samples at appropriate temperatures.

Part II - Core work:
Accomplish the following:
A. Pickup and delivery of Biological specimens
B. Immunological assays and regent preparation
C. Viral stock preparation and virological assays
D. General molecular assays and regent preparation
E. Storage of biological materials
F. Transition out

Part III - Optional Work: Provide and perform additional sampling of CD4, CD8 and B cell counts.

This work is currently being conducted under contract HHSN261201000003C held by Advanced BioSciences Laboratories, Inc.

The NCI seeks continuation of services to be acquired through full and open competitive procedures under NAICS 541380. It is anticipated that a cost-reimbursement contract with a base period of six months and five six month option periods may be awarded beginning on or about October 15, 2014.

The contractor must meet the mandatory qualification criteria at the time of receipt of proposal as follows:

1) Offerors must have biocontainment facilities with Biosafety level (BSL) 2 with Biosafety level (BSL3) practices to conduct work with human retroviruses and non-human primate retroviruses (HIV, SIV, SHIV, HTLV-1/2), adenovirus, and poxviruses. The offeror is required to provide these certifications at the time of proposal submission.

2) The Offeror's laboratory must be located within an hour driving distance from both NIH campuses located at 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892 and NCI Fort Detrick Campus located at 810 Schredier Street #1, Frederick, MD 21702 in order to transport fresh, viable cells and biologically active purified proteins within one hour after harvest or preparation. The offeror is required to provide their address and delivery distance from both NIH campus locations at the time of proposal submission.

The RFP will be available electronically at a later date and may be accessed through the FedBizOpps at www.fbo.gov. WE ENCOURAGE ALL RESPONSIBLE SOURCES, PARTICULARLY SMALL BUSINESSES, TO SUBMIT A PROPOSAL WHICH WILL BE CONSIDERED BY THE AGENCY. This notice does not commit the Government to award a contract. No collect calls will be accepted. No facsimile or email transmissions will be accepted. IT IS THE OFFERORS RESPONSIBILITY TO MONITOR THE ABOVE MENTIONED SITE FOR THE RELEASE OF THE SOLICITATION AND ANY AMENDMENTS.

Bid Protests Not Available