A -- Breeding and Maintenance of the National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) Cynomolgus and Indian Rhesus Macaque Colonies

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) intends to negotiate a five-year Cost Reimbursement Type contract with Alpha Genesis, Inc. of Yemassee, South Carolina to continue breeding and maintenance of NIAID-owned Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) Indian Rhesus macaque and Cynomolgus macaque colonies. The colonies, which were established for NIAID by Alpha Genesis, Inc., under Grant No.6- U01-AI-49916-05, produce SPF monkeys for the research efforts of the NIAID Non-human Primate Transplantation Cooperative Study Group (NHPCSG). At present the strength of the colony is approximately 550 Cynomolgus macaques and 800 Indian Rhesus macaques with projected growth to 1500 monkeys by September 2005. The Cynomolgus macaque breeding colony will achieve production maturity of approximately 175 SPF monkeys per year for research use by 2007 according to the current projections. The Indian Rhesus macaque breeding colony is at colony maturity and will provide approximately 150 SPF research monkeys per year in 2005. Alpha Genesis Inc. currently provides maintenance and SPF derivation for both the NIAID Cynomolgus and Indian Rhesus macaque breeding colonies; establishment of directed breeding harems, based on MHC typing and detailed pedigree history and analysis; and specialized services and testing of monkeys for the NHPCSG researchers. Specifications of the current colonies and facilities include: (1) SPF post-weaning derivation for Herpes B, simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), Type D simian retrovirus (SRV), and simian T-lymphotropic virus (STLV-1); (2) more than 65 carefully maintained social groups and harems ranging in size from 4 to 35 animals each; (3) annual colony mortality rate of 5-7% and infant mortality rate of <1%; (4) production rates, based on births per all females of bearing age, of 78% for the Rhesus colony and 73% for the newly established Cynomolgus colony; (5) more than 39 corrals and field cages (80 by 80 feet each), all with individual attached heated back-up containment areas, and multiple 20 by 80 feet buildings with outside extension cribs and runs; (6) dedicated buildings for single housing of up to 100 monkeys; (7) two clinics for the colonies (SPF and conventional) dedicated to these colonies; (8) full AAALAC accreditation; and (9) monkeys for research are provided to the NHPCSG free of charge, except for shipping costs. AUTHORITY: 41 U.S.C. 253 (c) (1), as set forth in FAR 6.302-1 (a) (2) (ii) and HHSAR 306.302-1 (a) (2) (ii). Data from preclinical (NHP) transplantation studies of novel therapeutics are of critical importance to the initiation of transplantation clinical trials. This monkey resource, with directed breeding programs, is invaluable to these efforts of the NHPCSG. Continued high production rates and supplies of these high quality monkeys are essential to meet the goals and milestones of these research efforts, therefore it is necessary to prevent loss of the monkeys and reduced breeding due to relocation stress. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals. However, if there are responsible Sources who feel that they are capable of performing this requirement, they must respond within 45 days from the posting date of this announcement. See Numbered Note 22. No Collect calls will be accepted. Potential Sources should demonstrate and document the following abilities: 1) Relocation of all monkeys within 4 months, without disrupting routine provision of SPF monkeys from these colonies to NHPCSG researchers; 2) Not exceed current colony mortality rate after relocation and out years (<5-7% per year); 3) Maintain 73-78% production rates and low infant mortality rate (<1% per year) throughout; 4) Number, quality, and size of housing and clinical facilities available for the colonies must be equivalent to, or greater than, those provided under the current grant as listed under - specifications #5, 6, 7 and 8 above and; 5) Maintain established social groups from time of transport and maintain SPF status during and following shipment. Point of Contact Aglae Cantave, Contract Specialist, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Contract Management Program 6700-B Rockledge Drive MSC 7612, Room 3214 Bethesda, MD 20892-7612 Phone 301 402-5825, Fax 301 402-0972, Email ACantave@niaid.nih.gov Erin Goldstein, Contracting Officer, Phone 301 496-0612, Fax 301 402-0972, Email EGoldstein@niaid.nih.gov Lawrence Butler, Acting Branch Chief, Phone 301 496-0195 Fax 301402-0972 EmailLButler@niaid.nih.gov