Provide training in the use of BSL-4 and developing the animal model for TBE and molecular technical

This is a combined synopsis/notice of intent for services prepared in accordance with the format in subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotes are not being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. This requirement is being issued as a Notice of Intend under NOI8251. This solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular FAC 05-13. This acquisition will be processed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP). The switching to any other contractor other than University of Texas Medical Branch would result in significant time delay of service and additional cost to the government. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 611310 . The National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) intends to procure research studies from University of Texas Medical Branch. The services to be procured are as follows: Part A: Pathogenesis of TBE viruses and Part B: Protective efficacy of live attenuated vaccine candidates against members of the TBE serocomplex Independently and not as an agent of the Government, the Contractor shall furnish all necessary services, qualified personnel, material, equipment, and facilities not otherwise provided by the Government as needed to perform this Statement of Work. Specifically, the Contractor, with the aid and the approval of the Project Officer, shall: 1) Work in close contact with the NIH liason. 2) Develop an improved animal model of TBE that closely mimics natural transmission and disease progression in C57/Bl6 mice and their knockout derivatives. In conjunction with work atthe NIH, these new models shall: ^ utilize virulent TBE strains (Absettarov and Sofjin) ^ answer specific questions about different stages of TBE pathogenicity, such as establishment of infection, persistence, and neuronal cell death ^ investigate host-pathogen interaction and host response to infection by using histological and immunological assays ^ be developed within a timeframe of approximately 1 year 3) Investigate potential vaccine candidates derived at the NIH using the developed mousemodel. These studies shall: ^ Determine protective efficacy of vaccine candidates against wild-type TBE strains ^ Use formalin-inactivated TBE vaccine as a comparison of protection 4) Detailed standardized procedures shall be developed during implementation of this project. Acceptance of these SOPs will be by the Project Officer. 5) Provide safe facilities and resources in accordance with Attachment A. 1. of the STATEMENT OF WORK for Part A. The Attachment is entitled ^SAFETY CONTROLS AND STANDARDS.^ ^ Conduct work under this contract under BSL-4 and Select Agent guidelines when working with virulent TBE strains or when otherwise appropriate. Conduct all work in accordance with applicable Federal, state and local laws, codes, ordinances and regulations. ^ Provide safefacilities and equipment to receive, send to outside investigators and the NIAID, store, and manipulate infectious TBE. ^ Provide protective garments, equipment and sufficient monitoring to assure safe handling of potentially hazardous microorganisms and materials. Specifically, the contractor shall comply with all applicable health and safety regulations while conducting the work set forth herein. 6) Provide training in the use of BSL-4 practices when developing the animal model for TBE and molecular techniques to qualified investigators, as negotiated with and approved by the Project Officer. The Government will award a firm fixed price purchase order to the responsible contractor. All responses will be considered by the agency. FAR 52.212-1 instructions to Offerors-Commercial Items; Offerors must include with their offer a completed copy of the Provision FAR 52.212.3 Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial items: FAR52.212.4 Contract Terms and Conditions of Commercial Items; FAR 52.212.5 Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes of Executive Orders-Commercial Items. To be considered for an award, offeror must have completed the online electronic Representations and Certifications located at http://orca.bpn.gov/. By submission of an offer, WWW.ccr.gov/ prior to award during performance, and through final payment of any contract, basic agreement, basic ordering agreement, or blanket purchasing agreement resulting from this solicitation. Copies of the aforementioned clauses are available upon request by telephone to Ms. MyLinh Pham at (301)402-6710. All responsible sources may submit offer that will be considered by this Agency. Offers must be submitted no later than 5:00 P.M. Eastern Standard Time on December 29, 2007. For delivery through the Postal Service, the address is NIH/NIAID/AMOB, 10401 Fernwood Drive Room 2NE70G, Bethesda, Maryland 20817-4811. Electronic transmission will not be accepted. Request for information concerning this requirement are to be addressed to Ms. MyLinh Pham at (301)402-6710. Collect calls will not be accepted.