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 intends to issue a Broad Agency Announcement (RFP-BAA-NIH-NIAID-DAIT-08-32) entitled “Large Scale T Cell Epitope Discovery” under full and open competitive procedures.

Description: As a part of its continuing biodefense effort, NIAID announces a Large Scale T Cell Epitope Discovery Program. The goal of the program is to identify immune epitopes that are important in protection of humans from NIAID Category A, B, and C priority pathogens and emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases (listed at http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/research/topics/emerging/list.htm). This solicitation focuses on the identification and validation of immunodominant and subdominant T cell epitopes, which bind MHC class I, MHC class II, or non-classical MHC/HLA molecules (e.g., HLA-E, HLA-F, HLA-G, H-2M, H-2Q, H-2T, CD1).



Offerors must propose a research program that includes: epitope identification; epitope validation; and epitope submission to the Immune Epitope Database and Analysis Resource (IEDB) (www.ImmuneEpitope.org). Research conducted under this initiative shall include one or more type of T cell epitope discovery. Identification of immune epitopes that contribute to protective immunity in humans is strongly encouraged. Validation studies of all newly discovered epitopes for their reactivity with T cells in vitro and/or in vivo are required to demonstrate the immunogenicity/antigenicity or diagnostic potential of all newly defined T cell epitopes shown to bind to classical or non-classical MHC molecules. 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 IEDB (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 T cell epitopes.



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 July, 2009.



The NIAID estimates that the average annual total cost (direct and indirect costs combined) is $1 million per award. 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. In no event shall the period of performance proposed by an offeror 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.