In accordance with FAR Part 13 Simplified Acquisition Procedures and as documented by FAR Part 13.501, National Institutes of Health (NIH), NIDDK Acquisitions Branch, National Library of Medicine (NLM), intends to procure services to study the immune response of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infected and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infected chimpanzees on a sole-source basis from The University of Louisiana at Lafayette, P.O. Box 43610, Lafayette, LA 70504. The research of the Immunology Section, LDB, NIDDK, is focused on the immune response to HBV and HCV infection. These infections are the most common cause of liver disease worldwide. Because chronic HBV infection cant be resolved and a vaccine against HCV doesnt exist, a major emphasis of the research program is the identification of immunological correlates of recovery from these infections and the therapeutic reconstitution of effective immune responses in those subjects, who dont spontaneously recover from the infection. The purpose is to study the immune response and viremia of 2 chimpanzees that have been exposed to HCV and to perform immunotherapy of chronic HBV and HCV infection. The objective is to reconstitute qualitatively and quantitatively inferior immune responses during chronic viral infection to better control and ultimately clear the infection. This will be a scientific collaboration between the Contractor and the Immunology Section, LDB, NIDDK to study the effect of immunotherapy in both these types of chronic infections. The service is to be performed at the Contractors facility and the Contractor shall provide 2 HBV-infected and 2 HCV-infected chimpanzees that are available for this study. Tasks to be performed: conduct experiments (immunotherapy and acquisition of blood and liver biopsy samples at 36 time points per animal) in accordance with quality research standards and the Animal Welfare Act, Standard Operating procedures; test blood samples for complete blood count and electrolytes on site and provide clinical pathology and histology services as needed; ship blood and liver biopsy samples overnight to the Immunology Section, LDB; contribute to the analysis and interpretation of results and the preparation of scientific publications. The University of Louisiana at Lafayette has the unique capability to provide the various resources that are necessary to conduct this particular type of research. This service is to be set-up as a base year with four option years. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals. However, if any other interested party believes that it can meet the requirements it may submit a statement of capabilities. The capability statement and any other information furnished must be in writing, and must contain material in sufficient detail to allow a determination of the partys ability to meet all of the foregoing requirements. The determination to compete or not compete the proposed requirement based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. The information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. It is anticipated that the requirement will be available for award fifteen (15 days) after the publication of this synopsis. Contact Information: Lisa Josephowitz,
[email protected]. Fax quotations must contain offerors names, address, telephone and fax number. FAX quotations will only be accepted if dated and signed by an authorized company representative. FAX NUMBER 301-480-7443. Confidentiality: No proprietary, classified, confidential, or sensitive information should be included in your response. The Government reserves the right to use any non-proprietary technical information in any resultant solicitation (s).