The U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID) is seeking firms capable of providing research services to profile the host response to pathogens that occur through intracellular and intercellular signaling mechanisms to support ongoing countermeasures research.
The required intracellular tasks are to use the entire workflow of the Reverse Phase Protein Microarray (RPMA) technology to provide and analyze the phosphoproteomic profiling of target host proteins that are significantly affected during infection with geographical isolates of Burkholderia species, and to perform the functional characterization of select host targets that are identified through RPMA.
Additionally, functional characterizations of select Yersinia pestis host targets identified through RPMA analysis will be required.
For examination of intercellular signaling, the contractor is required to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the mechanisms of exosome-based intercellular communication during infection with Y. pestis and also other biodefense agents using different methodologies, including RPAM and mass spectrometry (MS) analysis.
The contractor shall perform the required services in 4 phases:
- Preparation of samples with assistance from USAMRIID personnel and performing QC.
- Performance of proteomic analyses using RPMA and MS methods.
- Bioinformatic analysis of the collected data, verification of the discovered hits, and identification of protein networks of interest.
- Performing follow-up functional assays to test the host targets of interest for future countermeasure approaches. For the RPMA data, a total of six target genes, or the number selected in consultation with USAMRIID, will be analyzed.
USAMRIID will provide samples for analysis and perform the necessary in vitro and cell-based assays when required. USAMRIID will also perform microscopy, immunological, and other assays to verify the integrity and efficacy of the samples.
USAMRIID will provide recommendations on all 4 phases of the work that are indicated above, including data analysis and the development of appropriate functional assays to analyze identified targets, to ensure that the final findings will meet mission needs for future development of effective and FDA-licensable countermeasures.
The Government anticipates a single contract with a Period of Performance of one year-long base period plus two option years. Upon review of industry response to this Sources Sought Notice, the Government will determine whether a set-aside acquisition in lieu of full and open competition is in the Government’s best interest.
Capability statements may be submitted under Solicitation Number: W81XWH-14-R-0071. Responses are due by July 31, 2014
