National Institutes of Health, Division of Research Contracts, OCM/OA 6100 Executive Blvd., MSC 7540, Room 6E01, Bethesda, MD, 20892-7540

A -- DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE OF A LONG-TERM COLONY OF AGED CALORIC- RESTRICTED MICE AND RATS SOL NIH-AG-97-04 DUE 121096 POC Sherley M. Mizzell, Contracting Officer, (301) 496-4487. The National Institute on Aging (NIA), National Institutes of Health has a requirement to develop, maintain, and distribute a standing colony of aged, caloric-restricted laboratory mice and rats of various genotypes for use by investigators in studies of aging. This colony is to be developed and maintained within controlled and defined barrier environments where animals are monitored and characterized for disease status and pathologic and degenerative changes with age. It is intended to replace an existing colony developed by the NIA under an interagency agreement with the National Center for Toxicological Research. A nine-year cost-reimbursement contract is anticipated. Generally, evaluation criteria focus on facilities, experience and awareness of problems and complications likely to be observed in the conduct of a project that involves diet manipulations. The solicitation is scheduled to be issued on or about October 23, 1996. Proposals will be due approximately 45 days thereafter. Copies of the solicitation can be obtained by sending a written request to the Contracting Officer. All responsible sources may submit a proposal which shall be considered by the Government. See numbered note 26. (0282)

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