Inactive
Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5)
Notice ID:RFP-DAIT-75N93023R00001
Introduction The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) supports research related to ...
Introduction The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) supports research related to the basic understanding of microbiology and immunology leading to the development of vaccines, therapeutics, and medical diagnostics for the prevention, treatment, and diagnosis of infectious and immune-mediated diseases, including immune-meditated rejection of transplanted organs, tissues, and cells. Translational studies using nonhuman primate (NHP) models of pancreatic islet and solid organ transplantation are a key component of the Institute’s efforts to increase long-term graft survival and life expectancy and improve health-related quality of life for transplant recipients. NHP transplantation studies are essential to the design of scientifically sound and ethically acceptable clinical trials, due, in part, to the close approximation of the NHP immune system, genetics and physiology to those of humans. The NIAID Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Transplantation (DAIT) has a requirement for the maintenance, care, breeding, and management of Government-owned specific pathogen-free (SPF) Mauritian cynomolgus macaque (Macaca fascicularis) and Indian-origin rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) colonies. This requirement includes provision of approximately 200 research-aged (at least two years for rhesus macaques and three years for cynomolgus macaques) SPF progeny per year to designated investigators). Because humans are genetically diverse, maintaining outbred NHP colonies retains the value of these animals as translational models. Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) genotyping of the animals not only assists in management of genetic diversity, but the setting of transplantation, allows for selection of donor and recipient animals with known degrees of MHC disparity. Knowledge of MHC disparity and relatedness between donors and recipients is necessary to replicate clinical transplantation practices and facilitate rigorous experimental design and data interpretation of NHP studies, which often require small experimental groups. The majority of the NIAID animals are MHC genotyped. Description The major scope and functions to be performed by the Contractor are to maintain and provide all aspects of care for Government-owned SPF Indian-origin rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) and Mauritius-origin cynomolgus macaque (Macaca fascicularis) breeding colonies (herein referred to as rhesus macaque and cynomolgus macaque, respectively), including: Maintenance of full SPF status, care, expansion or contraction (as required to meet research needs), breeding, and management of the colonies, including all aspects of animal husbandry and medical care. Provision of up to approximately 200 research-aged SPF animals per year. For purposes of this contract research-age is at least two (2) years for rhesus macaques and three (3) years for cynomolgus macaques. Provision of genetic diversity analyses and plans to maintain or improve the genetic diversity of the colonies. Provision of pedigree analyses. Provision of MHC and/or MHC microsatellite typing results in consultation with the Project Officer. Maintenance of a comprehensive animal and colony records database that shall be downloaded on a regular basis to the NIAID ImmPort database. Submission of quarterly and annual reports summarizing contract activities. Maintenance of full AAALAC accreditation. Additional scope considerations and definitions: Assume an initial colony strength of approximately 1300 Indian-origin rhesus and 700 Mauritius-origin cynomolgus macaques; Provision of appropriate housing for the approximate 2000 animals, assuming 60 social groups of between 10 – 70 animals each, provision of the approximate 200 research-aged animals per year, and the capability to increase housing should colony sizes increase. For the purpose of this contract SPF is defined as negative for four specific viruses: Macacine herpesvirus 1 (B virus), Simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), Simian betaretrovirus, formerly known as simian retrovirus type D (SRV), and Simian T-lymphotropic virus (STLV-1). Fully SPF is defined as a colony negative for, and with no exposure to, all four viruses for greater than or equal to five (5) years. The Contractor shall be financially responsible for all mortalities beyond 10% annually in each individual colony. Unless deemed necessary for the safety and well-being of the colonies, the Government will NOT provide funds to support facility construction or renovation costs. It is expected that the Contractor will invest in ongoing structural improvements to its facilities. It is anticipated that one IDIQ type contract will be awarded for a period of 7 years beginning approximately September 2024, with an anticipated annual total effort of approximately 56,160 direct labor hours, based on 2080 hours per full time equivalent (FTE), and 27 FTEs needed to accomplish Task Area A requirements. Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria: 1) the technical plan/approach, including details on animal medical care, general husbandry, and welfare, genetic diversity maintenance, and record keeping; 2) adequacy of the scientific and technical personnel available to fulfill the task order requirements; 3) capabilities of the available facilities, equipment, and other resources; and 4) project management. Any responsible offeror may submit a proposal which will be considered by the Agency. This RFP will be available electronically on/about 4/5/2023 and may be accessed through SAM.gov. This notice does not commit the Government to award a contract or Task Order. No collect calls will be accepted. No facsimile transmissions will be accepted. For this solicitation, the NIAID requires proposals to be submitted via the NIAID electronic Contract Proposal Submission (eCPS) website. For directions on using eCPS, go to the website https://ecps.nih.gov/ and then click on "How to Submit."
