R -- Provide housing and bio-safety containment for chimpanzees infected with HIV-1 and other AIDS related diseases, perform routine testing and send clinical specimens as needed to NIH.

The contract requires the provision of an animal facility capable of housing and maintaining up to 12 adult chimpanzees infected with HIV-1, ensuring appropriate physical containment and biosafety measures. These government-owned chimpanzees, currently housed by a contractor, will be used specifically for research related to the etiology of AIDS and associated diseases. The contractor is also responsible for routine testing of the animals and for sending clinical specimens to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) as needed to support infectious disease studies. This sources-sought solicitation, posted in May 2002, seeks capabilities for bio-safety containment and care aligned with infectious disease research protocols. Key points include the emphasis on safe containment of HIV-1 infected primates, maintaining animal welfare standards, and facilitating timely laboratory analysis through specimen handling and shipment. The contracting officer listed for this opportunity is John Foley, who can be contacted for further information.