Introduction: The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) supports research related to the basic understanding of microbiology and immunology leading to the development of vaccines, therapeutics, and medical diagnostics for the prevention, treatment, and diagnosis of infectious and immune-mediated diseases. The NIAID, Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Transplantation has a requirement for Broad Agency Announcement (Insert BAA Number) entitled “B Cell Epitope Discovery and Mechanisms of Antibody Protection” under full and open competitive procedures.

Description: As a part of its continuing biodefense effort, NIAID announces a B Cell Epitope Discovery and Mechanisms of Antibody Protection Program. The goal of this program is to identify novel B cell epitopes and elucidate novel mechanisms of antibody-mediated protection or pathogenesis that are important in humoral immunity in humans to emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases and potential agents of bioterrorism and their toxins (listed as NIAID Emerging and Re-Emerging Diseases and NIAID Category A, B, and C Priority Pathogens at http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/research/topics/-emerging/list.htm).



Offerors must propose a research program that includes: discovery of linear or conformational B cell epitopes; evaluation of all newly discovered epitopes for their functionality in vitro and in vivo in appropriate animal models and/or with human samples; and studies to identify the mechanisms of protection or pathogenesis elicited by antibodies associated with epitopes discovered under this program. Clinical trials will not be supported under this solicitation. Appropriate animal models may be used; however, the use of human samples is strongly encouraged. All epitope information and computation tools developed under the contract shall be submitted to the Immune Epitope Database and Analysis Resource (www.ImmuneEpitope.org) to facilitate access and use of these data and tools by the broader research community. Offerors may also propose novel methods, algorithms, or models for the discovery and validation of B cell epitopes and mechanisms of antibody protection/pathogenesis.



It is anticipated that multiple cost reimbursement, completion type contracts will be awarded for a five (5) year period of performance beginning on or about August 17, 2009.



The NIAID estimates that the average annual total cost (direct and indirect costs combined) per contract is $1 million. However, it is anticipated that the total cost for the award(s) may vary depending upon the scope of the project and the technical objectives of the award(s). The length of time for which funding is requested should be consistent with the nature and complexity of the proposed research. The period of performance proposed by an Offeror should not exceed five (5) years.



All responsible sources may submit a proposal which shall be considered by the Agency. This BAA will be available electronically on/about July 15, 2008, and may be accessed through FedBizOpps http://www.fedbizopps.gov/. This notice does not commit the Government to award a contract. No collect calls will be accepted. No facsimile transmissions will be accepted.