NIAID is establishing a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) to solicit proposals to address the Institute's need for research programs focused on identifying associations between specific immune response gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to infection, or the quality of response to vaccination, with a focus on one or more of the high priority NIAID Category A, B, or C pathogens listed at http://www.niaid.nih.gov/biodefense/bandc_priority.htm. The correlation of genetic polymorphisms with response to phenotypes, such as severity of infection, or with vaccination outcome, will be further studied through the analysis of expression levels and/or functions of the proteins encoded by the variant immune response genes. Materials for such studies will be obtained by the Offeror from patients with a history of natural infections; individuals currently enrolled in vaccine trials; and/or previously vaccinated high-risk groups, such as military, laboratory, and health care personnel. In addition efforts will be made to include at-risk groups such as the very young, the elderly, and individuals with immunodeficiencies. Genomic information from mouse model systems can be used to facilitate identification of relevant human immune response genes. Particular emphasis is placed on studies identifying host immune factors that play a role in controlling, protecting, or predisposing to an infection; exacerbating disease; determining resistance to treatments. Interdisciplinary teams that combine diverse scientific expertise (e.g., microbiology, immunology, genetics, mathematics, computer science) will be encouraged. The NIAID expects to award six (6) to twelve (12) cost reimbursement, completion type contracts, each with a period of five (5 year), beginning approximately September, 2004. RFP-NIH-NIAID-DAIT-BAA-04-18 will be made available electronically on or about September 22, 2003 with proposals due on January 8, 2004, and may be accessed through the NIAID Contract Management Branch (CMB) Home Page at http://www.niaid.nih.gov/contract. Any responsible Offeror may submit a proposal which will be considered by the Government. This advertisement does not commit the Government to award a contract. No collect calls will be accepted. Original Point of Contact Nancy Hershey, Contract Specialist, Phone 301-496-0193, Fax 301-402-0972, Email nhershey@niaid.nih.gov - Jacqueline C. Holden, Senior Contracting Officer, Phone 301-496-7119, Fax 301-402-0972, Email jholden@niaid.nih.gov.
