Cap-dependent endonuclease inhibitors (CENis) - NHRC

The contract solicits preclinical development of cap-dependent endonuclease inhibitors (CENis) as broad-spectrum antiviral therapeutics targeting emerging RNA viruses, including arenaviruses and bunyaviruses, under a 36-month performance period from May 29, 2026, to May 28, 2029. The work, to be conducted in support of the Naval Medical Research Command at Fort Detrick, involves in vitro and in vivo efficacy studies, lead compound characterization, and optimization of CENi candidates with specific focus on pathogens requiring biosafety level 4 containment. Deliverables include characterized lead compounds with demonstrated antiviral activity, comprehensive data packages, compound optimization reports, and a development plan to advance the therapeutic platform, with all inspection and acceptance performed at the Naval Medical Research Center in Silver Spring, Maryland. The contract is structured as a firm fixed price line item for labor and a cost no fee line item for other direct costs, though no specific monetary values are provided in the available documentation. The contracting office is the NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center in Norfolk, Virginia, with primary point of contact Brian Kinkade and technical oversight provided by Darci Smith. Performance is governed by a commercial item acquisition framework under FAR 52.212-1 and FAR 52.212-5, with delivery terms set at FOB Destination. The contract incorporates numerous FAR and DFARS clauses addressing ethical conduct, subcontractor restrictions, whistleblower protections, data rights, cybersecurity compliance under DFARS 252.204-7008, and prohibitions on influencing federal transactions. All technical data and software are subject to DFARS marking requirements for government purpose rights, limited rights, or restricted rights, which must be conspicuously applied to all reproductions. Invoicing is required through WAWF, and contractors must comply with SAM.gov registration and maintenance requirements under Deviation 2026-00038, along with reporting obligations for executive compensation and first-tier subcontract awards. No specific evaluation factors, weights, or award basis are detailed, but the Government may select the most advantageous offer considering both price and non-price factors on a trade-off basis. Security requirements include adherence to the prohibition on using certain defense telecommunications equipment and compliance with antiterrorism awareness training obligations. The solicitation does not specify any set-aside for small businesses or socioeconomic categories, and no completed representations, certifications, or pricing values are provided