Preparedness for public health threats is a major goal of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). An influenza pandemic has a great potential to cause large numbers of deaths and illnesses over a short time period. A pandemic occurs when there is an antigenic shift in influenza A virus resulting in a new human influenza strain to which most or all of the world's population is susceptible. Three pandemics occurred during the 20th century, the most severe of which, in 1918, caused over 500,000 U.S. deaths and more than 20 million deaths worldwide. Within the scientific community, it is generally believed that the occurrence of another influenza pandemic is highly likely. Recent outbreaks of human disease caused by avian H5, H9, and H7 influenza strains in Asia, Europe, and North America highlight the potential of new strains to be introduced into the population. Estimates for the next pandemic, extrapolating from those of the 20th century, range from about 100,000 to over 2 million deaths in the U.S. alone. Influenza vaccines are considered a primary means to decrease the mortality and morbidity associated with the next pandemic. HHS is pursuing multiple and parallel strategies to close the gap between current influenza vaccine supply and the HHS goal of stockpiling pre-pandemic vaccines as part of the strategic plan for pandemic preparedness. The Department of Health and Human Services through the Office of Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Office of Research and Development Coordination contemplates single or multiple awards of contracts to support retrofitting manufacturing facilities for production of pandemic influenza vaccines. The approach may include retrofitting of an existing pilot plant for vaccine seed preparation and/or commercial manufacturing facilities that are currently used to produce Food and Drug Administration (FDA) licensed biological product for egg-based or cell culture-based bulk production and/or fill finish manufacturing of pandemic influenza vaccines. The scope of activities for which the Offeror may request funds may include conceptual and detailed retrofitting and mechanical engineering design, facility modification and commissioning, facility and manufacturing equipment, and validations of facility/process/systems as required for FDA licensure for manufacturing of influenza vaccines, and warm base operation. Facilities must meet USDA and CDC biosafety containment guidelines for Select Agent usage, WHO recommendations for production of influenza vaccines from reassortants derived from avian influenza viruses, and physical security measured as outlined for BioShield products. The objective of this project is to expand the domestic influenza vaccine supply for influenza pandemic preparedness. The anticipated period of performance will be for a total of up to two years. Additional details and requirements will be described in the solicitation. RFP-DHHS-ORDC-VB-06-07 will be available electronically through the FedBizOpps website on or about June 29, 2006 with proposals being due on or about August 14, 2006. Any responsible offeror may submit a proposal that will be considered by the Government. This notice does not commit the Government to the award of a contract. It is the offeror’s responsibility to monitor this internet site for the release of this solicitation as well as any amendments. Potential offerors will be responsible for downloading their own copy of the solicitation and any amendments via this website. No collect calls will be accepted. No facsimile transmissions will be accepted. See Government Wide Numbered Note 26. All responses should be identified with RFP No. DHHS-ORDC-VB-06-07, name of company, name of requestor, mailing address, telephone number, fax number, email address and should be submitted to the Contracting Office address identified in this notice. This solicitation may result in multiple awards. It is anticipated that an award will be made in 2006. No Description Provided