National Cancer Institute, Research Contracts Branch, ESS, Executive Plaza South, Rm. 620, 6120 Executive Blvd., MSC 7224, Bethesda, MD 20892-7224

A -- SUPPORT FOR RESEARCH ON RETROVIRAL PATHOGENESIS, TREATMENT AND PREVENTION SOL N02-BC-91017-38 DUE 121098 POC Kim L. Hall, Contract Specialist, 301-496-8610 E-MAIL: Kim L. Hall, kh175r@nih.gov. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) is soliciting proposals from offerors with the capability to provide on-going support for two major research programs of the Basic Research Laboratory (BRL), and will include investigations related to development of vaccines for prevention of retroviral infection, development of treatment strategies for AIDS and elucidation of mechanisms of retroviral pathogenesis. The proposed project will include activities in three areas. 1.) Provision of a virus isolation and characterization capability. This support is critical for identification of novel viruses, for studies of viral variation and evolution and for assessment of infection following challenge of vaccinated animals with live viruses. This work includes multiple isolation attempts over time with periodic monitoring of cultures for viral expression by a variety of techniques, use of biochemical and immunological techniques for viral identification and co-culturing experiments from several different tissue specimens(such as blood, spleen and lymph nodes) on several target cells. 2.) Support for virologic and ummunologic studies related to vaccine development. This area is important for determining immune parameters associated with protection from viral infection or disease progression and for quantifying viral burden in the absence of sterilizing immunity. The studies include both human and animal subjects. The offeror will provide the capability to assess RNA and DNA viral loads, to evaluate humoral, cellular and mucosal immune responses, and to measure biologically relevant cytokines and chemokines, both immunologically and functionally. 3.) Provide protein chemistry capabilities. Provision of highly purified, well characterized native viral proteins is essential for the AIDS vaccine program. Provision of purified and characterized cytokines and viral and cellular factors with growth promoting or other biologic activities are needed. The offeror will also provide polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies to partially purified and purified proteins. An offeror must meet the mandatory qualification criteria, which require the offeror to demonstrate the ability to: 1.) Have or provide evidence that they can establish biocontainment facilities (BL2 with BL3 capability) to conduct work with human retroviruses and non-human primate retroviruses (HIV-1, HIV-2, HTLV, SIV), and 2.) Must be able to supply fresh, viable cells and biologically active purified proteins to the Government within one hour after harvest or preparation. Must be able to receive from the Government within one hour after harvest or collection fresh, viable cells and tissues from primates maintained by the Government. The contract type is a Cost-Reimbursement Contract for a period of one year, with options for four (4) additional one-year periods, with an anticipated solicitation issue date approximately 15 days after publication of this notice. Proposals will be due approximately 45 days after the issue date. All responses to this notice must be submitted in writing by mail or faxed to 301-480-0241. All responsible sources may submit a proposal, which shall be considered by the Government. No collect calls will be accepted. Posted 10/07/98 (W-SN259987). (0280)

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