Primate Core Immunology - Virology Laboratories - Part C: Quantitative Viral RNA Laboratory

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), intends to negotiate with Advanced BioScience Laboratories Inc. (ABL), Rockville, Maryland for a six (6) month continuation of Contract N01-AI-30057 to continue to perform quantitative viral RNA studies since many of the nonhuman primate studies are still ongoing at the three Simian Vaccine Evaluation (SVEU) contract sites. The studies include performing assays on samples collected from the following SVEU studies: Evaluation of the immunogenicity and efficacy of DNA/SIV vaccines with or without IL-12, IL-15 or RANTES; Virus-like particles containing clade A envelope; Protective efficacy of glycan-modified Env vaccines against heterologous SHIV challenge; Foreskin/penile infection with SIVmac251; Acute intra-rectal SIV infection studies; Mucosal immunization (cervical; Ad5/SIV); and other planned SVEU studies. The quantitative viral RNA contract is an integral part of the SVEU laboratories and is a very important resource for the AIDS vaccine research community. The contractor has been using a proprietary Nucleic Acid Sequence-Based Amplification (NASBA) and real-time NASBA assays to assess quantities of the viral RNA in the samples provided by SVEU laboratories. For consistency of the assay and for comparison with existing results, NIAID is requesting a continuation of the contract for six (6) months from 9/30/2010 to 3/29/2011. The proposed contract action is for supplies or services for which the Government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source under authority of FAR 6.302-1(b)(1)(i). Interested persons may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals. However, all proposals received will be considered by the Government. Interested parties who believe that they are capable of fulfilling this requirement may identify their interest by providing clear and comprehensive information supporting their claim. Please include contact person(s) and phone numbers, and identify the type of business, e.g. educational institution, small business, large for profit, research non-profit, etc. The Government will consider any such information received within 45 days of the publication date of this notice. A determination by the Government not to continue with this proposed contract based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. If no responses are received within 45 days, the Government shall negotiate and modify the contract listed above. No collect calls will be accepted. No facsimile transmissions will be accepted.