RFP No. NIH-NIAID-DMID-98-17

Title:      NIAID MALARIA RESEARCH AND REFERENCE REAGENT REPOSITORY

Issued by:     Judith Rubinstein
               Contract Specialist
               NIH/NIAID
               Contract Management Branch
               Solar Building, Room 3C07
               6003 Executive Boulevard (MSC 7610)
               Rockville, Maryland 20892-7610

DATE ISSUED:        OCTOBER 22, 1997

PROPOSAL DATE DUE:  JANUARY 23, 1998, 4:00 P.M. (EST)

Ladies and Gentlemen:

You are invited to submit a proposal in accordance with the
requirements of this RFP (NIH-NIAID-DMID-98-17) for NIAID Malaria
Research and Reference Reagent Repository.  The Government
anticipates the award of one (1), seven (7) year, cost-
reimbursement, completion type contract as a result of this RFP.

The documents included with this electronic RFP package are as
follows:

STREAMLINED RFP

   Attachments:

   A.  Background and Work Statement, dated September 10, 1997

   B.  Deliverables and Reporting Requirements, dated September 10,
1997

   C.  Evaluation Factors for Award, dated September 10, 1997

   D.  Specific RFP Instructions and Provisions (includes the
Technical Proposal Format, and the proposal intent       form)

   E.  Applicable RFP References

In addition to the directory in which you are currently located
(i.e., the streamlined RFP), there are five (5) other Subdirectories
in the Gopher System (under C, RFP References) which must be
retrieved, in  whole or in part, in order to submit a proposal (the
applicable portions are explained in Attachment E).  The
Subdirectories are:

   STANDARD RFP INSTRUCTIONS AND PROVISIONS
   OPTIONAL RFP INSTRUCTIONS AND PROVISIONS
   FORMS, FORMATS AND ATTACHMENTS
   REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS
   SAMPLE CONTRACT FORMAT-GENERAL

If you are unable to download any of the applicable documents,
please contact Judith Rubinstein, Contract Specialist, by
phone/fax/Internet (see contact numbers/addresses below).

The attachments/documents listed above represent all the necessary
information required for the submission of a proposal for this
acquisition.  Following proposal submission and review, additional
information will be requested by the Contracting Officer from all
offerors which comprise the Competitive Range.

The Business and Technical proposals must be separate portions in
the proposal package.  The Business Proposal must be signed by an
authorized official of your organization, and must contain a
detailed breakdown of costs by year for each cost category/element;
the basis for all costs must be explained, and the supporting
documentation must be submitted with the proposal.  See Standard RFP
Instructions and Provisions, in the subdirectory C, RFP References,
for more detail on the Business Proposal requirements.

It is recommended that any proposed annual increase in costs for
inflation be limited to no more than 3% of total costs per year,
which is also the maximum currently allowed by the NIH for research
projects.

The format and content of your Technical Proposal is detailed in the
"Technical Proposal Table of Contents", in Attachment D.  SEE
SECTION D. 5 FOR INFORMATION ON PAGE LIMITATIONS.

Your attention is further directed to the "Proposal Intent" form
contained in Attachment D, Item 6.  Please complete this form and
return it to this office on or before DECEMBER 22, 1997.  This will
allow us to expedite preparations for the peer review of proposals.

The original and nineteen (19) copies of your technical proposal and
the original and five (5) copies of your business proposal must be
received by the Contracting Officer no later than JANUARY 23, 1997,
at 4:00 p.m. local time at the address listed in Attachment D, item
4.

If you have any additional questions regarding this RFP, please
contact Ms. Rubinstein at the Internet electronic mail address
jr205j@nih.gov,  by phone at 301/496-2509, or by fax at 301/480-
5253.  Collect calls will not be accepted.

Amendments to the RFP will be posted on the NIH homepage.  If you
wish to be notified of any amendments, notify Miss Rubinstein.

Sincerely,

  /s/

Rosemary McCabe Hamill
Chief, Infectious and Allergic
     Diseases Contract Section
Contract Management Branch
National Institute of Allergy
      and Infectious Diseases

Attachments:  A - E

********************************************************************
**********************************

RFP-NIH-NIAID-DMID-98-17

STREAMLINED RFP

ATTACHMENT A
----------------------------

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this contract is to support the National Institute of
Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of
Health (NIH), Malaria Research and Reference Reagent Repository
(Malaria Reagent Repository), in achieving its goal of providing
malaria-related reagents and resources to the scientific community.

Malaria is an infectious disease caused by protozoan parasites of
Plasmodium spp. (primarily P. falciparum and P. vivax).   Malaria
claims an estimated 2 to 3 million lives annually, and accounts for
untold morbidity in the approximately 300 to 500 million people
infected annually.  There are no approved vaccines for malaria.
Currently available drugs are losing their utility as a result of
the spread of drug-resistant parasites.  Research is needed to
develop new tools to control this deadly disease.  An important rate-
limiting step in malaria research is the identification and
distribution of state-of-the-art reagents and technology.  The need
for improved access to parasite, host and vector reagents was
highlighted in recommendations of the report from the International
Conference on Malaria in Africa, held in Dakar, Senegal, in January,
1997.

To address this need, the NIAID will establish a Malaria Reagent
Repository.  This repository will acquire malaria-related research
reagents, by donation and/or procurement, ensure standardization,
characterization and documentation of reference reagents; and
provide these materials at minimal cost to qualified investigators
throughout the world.  Additionally, the repository will catalog and
collect information about malaria reagents and disseminate this
information through print, electronic media, and workshops; enhance
technology transfer through development and publication of methods;
facilitate commercial development of reagents through proactive
communication with biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies and
other concerned organizations such as the World Health Organization.
It is anticipated that the majority of acquired reagents will be
donated; all other "acquisition" of reagents may be accomplished
through purchase and/or services.  This includes purchase
orders/subcontracts for producing reagents, maintaining vector
colonies, expansion of reagents (renewable reagents provided to the
repository in small amounts that will require expansion), and
quality control analyses of reagents.  Contributors and users will
include scientists from the NIH, academic and non-profit
institutions, and from industry.

An interim repository was established in 1997, under contract N01-AI-
75331 to Braton Biotech, Inc., to initiate the process of acquiring,
expanding and distributing malaria reagents.   The completion date
of that contract is September 29, 1998.  Because this is a
relatively new program, the number of reagent samples to be stored
in the Malaria Reagent Repository is anticipated to expand
dramatically during the initial years of this contract.

WORK STATEMENT

Independently and not as an agent of the Government, the Contractor
shall furnish all the necessary services, qualified personnel,
material, equipment, and facilities not otherwise provided by the
Government as needed to perform the work described below.

(NOTE 1 TO THE OFFEROR:  THE PRIME CONTRACTOR IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL
WORK PERFORMED UNDER THIS CONTRACT.  WHILE SUBCONTRACTING IS
PERMITTED, NIH ENVISIONS THAT THE REAGENT ACQUISITION EFFORTS,
STORAGE AND DISTRIBUTION OF REAGENTS, AND THE MANAGEMENT OF THE
REAGENT INVENTORY DESCRIBED UNDER WORK STATEMENT WILL BE PERFORMED
BY THE PRIME CONTRACTOR; REAGENT PRODUCTION, AND QUALITY CONTROL OF
REAGENTS MAY BE SUBCONTRACTED OUT, AS WELL AS OTHER ACTIVITIES.

(NOTE 2 TO THE OFFEROR:  OFFERORS INTERESTED IN RESPONDING TO THIS
RFP ARE ENCOURAGED TO REQUEST A COPY OF THE 1996 "NIH AIDS RESEARCH
AND REFERENCE REAGENT PROGRAM CATALOG".  THE CATALOG INCLUDES
EXAMPLES OF FORMS FOR:  1) REGISTRATION FOR RECEIVING REAGENTS;  2)
INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENTS;  3) ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF COMMERCIAL RIGHTS;
AND  4) REQUEST FOR ORDERING REAGENTS.   THE CATALOG IS AVAILABLE ON-
LINE AT http://www.aidsreagent.org, OR REQUESTS
FOR HARD COPY OF THE CATALOG MAY BE ADDRESSED TO:  CONTRACTING
OFFICER, CMB, NIAID, SOLAR BUILDING, ROOM 3C07, 6003 EXECUTIVE
BOULEVARD (MSC 7610), ROCKVILLE, MARYLAND  20892-7610.  AN EXAMPLE
OF ON-LINE ORDERING PROCEDURES CURRENTLY USED BY AN NIAID CONTRACTOR
IS AVAILABLE THROUGH THE TUBERCULOSIS RESEARCH MATERIALS REPOSITORY
AT http://www.cvmbs.colostate.edu/microbiology/tb/top.htm).

Specifically, the Contractor shall:

1.   Establish an Ongoing Advisory Committee of Malaria Experts:

The Contractor shall establish, within the first six months
following award, a committee composed of scientists knowledgeable in
a broad range of malaria research areas, including but not limited
to, molecular biology, immunology, drug  and vaccine development,
clinical studies and vector biology, which will provide advice to
the Contractor and to NIAID on the needs of the scientific community
for research reagents, and on prioritization of acquisitions.
Membership of the advisory committee will be determined by the
Contractor, after approval by the Project Officer, and the
Contractor will be responsible for the organization of regular
meetings of the committee.

(NOTE 3 TO THE OFFEROR:  AS AN INDICATION OF THE OFFEROR'S KNOWLEDGE
OF THE FIELD, A DESCRIPTION OF THE AREAS OF EXPERTISE THAT WOULD BE
COVERED BY MEMBERS OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE MUST BE INCLUDED WITH
THE TECHNICAL PROPOSAL.  INDIVIDUALS WHO MIGHT SERVE ON THIS
COMMITTEE SHOULD NOT BE NAMED, HOWEVER.)

The advisory committee will meet semiannually in the Bethesda, MD
area; one of these meetings will occur in conjunction with the
annual spring meeting of the NIAID International Centers for
Tropical Disease Research.

(NOTE 4 TO THE OFFEROR:  TRAVEL AND PER DIEM FOR ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MEMBERS AND APPROPRIATE REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE CONTRACTOR MUST BE
INCLUDED IN THE COST ESTIMATE.)

2.   Acquire, and Produce/Expand (as necessary) Reagents:

The Contractor shall acquire reagents after receiving approval by
the Project Officer.  The Contractor shall actively and
independently identify novel reagents that are not readily
available, prioritize their acquisition based on the need of the
malaria research community as reflected by recommendations of the
advisory committee, availability and cost.  The acquisition of new
reagents, either by purchase or donation, shall be an ongoing
endeavor throughout the term of the contract.

The Contractor shall ensure that Reagent donors assign their reagent
to a  release category designating whether it may be used for
commercial purposes, and if so, under what conditions. The
Contractor shall keep proper documentation on file supporting:  (1)
the price reasonableness for all acquisitions;   (2) the criteria
for evaluation and selection of all sources for reagent
acquisitions; and,  (3) the procurement of appropriate technology
transfer agreements.  The handling and transportation of all
reagents and Government-owned property under this Contract shall be
in accordance with all applicable local, state and Federal
regulations including safety controls and standards.  (See
Attachment A.2 to the Work Statement for details on health and
safety standards.)

     The Contractor shall produce reagents as needed after receiving
approval by Project Officer.  Production of reagents includes
expansion of renewable reagents, including cell lines, parasites and
recombinant DNA.

     For the purposes of this contract, reagents may include but are
not limited to the following biological materials:

-  Plasmodium parasites of various human and rodent species and
strains, including cloned and uncloned isolates       as well as
genetically manipulated parasites;
-  Plasmodium DNA libraries, DNA clones, expression vectors, and
oligonucleotide probes;
-  Human body fluids and cells, including those obtained from
individuals living in malaria endemic regions;
-  Proteins and synthetic peptides;
-  Polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies, or hybridoma cell lines;
-  Specimens or DNA from principal malaria vector species, including
the Anopheles gambiae complex.

The list provided above is for illustrative purposes and is not
comprehensive.

(NOTE 5 TO THE OFFEROR:  THE SELECTED CONTRACTOR WILL CONTINUE TO
IDENTIFY AND RECOMMEND NEW SOURCES OF REAGENTS THROUGHOUT THE TERM
OF THIS CONTRACT.  A DETAILED PLAN FOR IDENTIFYING, PRIORITIZING AND
ACQUIRING REAGENTS IN EACH OF THE GENERAL CATEGORIES LISTED ABOVE
FROM DOMESTIC AND INTERNATIONAL SOURCES, AS WELL AS THE OFFEROR'S
KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE  AND QUALIFICATIONS, MUST BE SUBMITTED AS PART
OF THE TECHNICAL PROPOSAL.

BECAUSE THIS IS A RELATIVELY NEW EFFORT, IT MAY THEREFORE BE
DIFFICULT TO PREDICT OR IDENTIFY IN ADVANCE THE TYPES AND AMOUNTS OF
REAGENTS, AND THE NUMBERS OF EXPANSIONS, QUALITY CONTROL ANALYSES OF
REAGENTS, ETC., THAT WILL BE REQUIRED DURING THIS CONTRACT TERM.
OFFERORS ARE DIRECTED TO USE THE FOLLOWING NORMALIZED COSTS IN
PROPOSING REAGENT ACQUISITION COSTS:  $300,000  IN YEAR 1;  $400,000
IN YEAR 2;  $500,000  IN YEAR 3;  $515,000  IN YEAR 4; $530,000  IN
YEAR 5;  $546,000  IN YEAR 6; AND,  $562,000  IN YEAR 7.   IN
ADDITION, THE OFFEROR SHOULD ASSUME THAT SUPPORT OF THE MAINTENANCE
OF ANY MOSQUITO COLONIES UNDER THIS CONTRACT WILL NOT BEGIN UNTIL
YEAR 3 OF THE CONTRACT.

FOR ANY PROPOSED SUBCONTRACTOR (OR SUBCONTRACTORS) TO PRODUCE/EXPAND
REAGENTS, SIMILAR TECHNICAL INFORMATION SHALL BE PROVIDED AS PART OF
THE PROPOSAL AS THAT REQUIRED FROM THE PRIME CONTRACTOR, I.E.,
TECHNICAL APPROACH, METHODS, KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE, PERSONNEL
QUALIFICATIONS, FACILITIES, RESOURCES, ETC.  COST DETAILS SHALL ALSO
BE PROVIDED BY THE SUBCONTRACTOR AND SUBMITTED WITH THE BUSINESS
PROPOSAL.)

(NOTE 6 TO THE OFFEROR:  IF THE OFFEROR IS A COMMERCIAL FIRM, THE
OFFEROR MUST ADDRESS IN DETAIL IN THE TECHNICAL PROPOSAL HOW
POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST WILL BE RESOLVED BETWEEN COMMERCIAL
ACQUISITION AND DISTRIBUTION OF REAGENTS AND MALARIA REAGENT
REPOSITORY ACQUISITION AND DISTRIBUTION OF SIMILAR REAGENTS.  FOR
EXAMPLE, THE OFFEROR MUST ADDRESS HOW THE OFFEROR WILL IDENTIFY AND
OBTAIN POTENTIALLY COMMERCIALLY VALUABLE REAGENTS FOR MALARIA
REAGENT REPOSITORY DISTRIBUTION INSTEAD OF FOR THE OFFEROR'S
COMMERCIAL USE.)

3.   Quality Control of Reagents:

The Contractor shall provide a plan describing the methods which
will be utilized for evaluation of the quality and activity of
reagents, and the facilities available for doing so.  The number and
types of assays to be performed will require the prior approval by
the Project Officer.  It is anticipated that those reagents to be
made available as reference standards will require more extensive
characterization than others.  The Contractor shall perform as
needed assays including, but not limited to, the following:

          a.   For parasites - sterility, culture viability,
gametocyte production, DNA fingerprinting, in vivo infectivity
(rodent species), drug sensitivity (human species)

          b.      For nucleic acids - concentration, purity,
restriction enzyme analysis,  size distribution (genomic DNA)

          c.   For human materials - sterility,  presence of  blood-
borne pathogens, including HIV and hepatitis B, immunoblotting
(human sera/plasma)

          d.   For proteins/peptides - sterility,  stability,
protein concentration, carbohydrate and DNA content, endotoxin
content, pH and conductance, identity and purity (proteins: PAGE
analysis;  peptides: HPLC, mass spectroscopy, amino acid analysis, N-
terminal sequencing), antigenicity (antibody reactivity by
immunoblotting and ELISA for vaccine antigens)

          e.   For antibodies - sterility, stability, protein
concentration, endotoxin level, immunologic activity
(immunoblotting, ELISA)

          f.   For cell lines - viability,  sterility, contamination
with adventitious infectious agents including  mycoplasma, identity
testing (e.g. specificity of antigen reactivity)

          g.   For mosquito vectors - verification of species or
strain identity by entomological markers, chromosomal markers and/or
PCR; malaria infection status of wild-caught specimens

(NOTE 7 TO THE OFFEROR:  THE OFFEROR SHALL SUBMIT, WITH THE
TECHNICAL PROPOSAL, DOCUMENTATION DEMONSTRATING: KNOWLEDGE,
EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCE IN THE QUALITY CONTROL ANALYSES OF THE
ABOVE-MENTIONED REAGENTS.  FOR ANY PROPOSED SUBCONTRACTOR (OR
SUBCONTRACTORS) SIMILAR TECHNICAL INFORMATION SHALL BE PROVIDED
WITHIN THE PROPOSAL AS THAT REQUIRED FROM THE PRIME CONTRACTOR,
I.E., TECHNICAL APPROACH, METHODS, KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE, PERSONNEL
QUALIFICATIONS, FACILITIES, RESOURCES, ETC.  COST DETAILS SHALL ALSO
BE PROVIDED BY THE SUBCONTRACTOR AND SUBMITTED WITH THE BUSINESS
PROPOSAL.)

4.   Provide Storage and Processing Facilities and Resources:

The Contractor shall provide facilities and equipment to receive and
store reagents, including those that are potentially hazardous, and
maintain their activity or viability.  The facilities must provide
aseptic and/or sterile conditions, as well as biosafety containment,
as appropriate.  Storage facilities for all reagents must meet
local, state and federal regulations.

         a.    Provide suitable air-conditioned floor space
sufficient for the installation, storage and maintenance of
equipment and all items necessary for the Malaria Reagent Repository
and distribution operation.

     b.   Provide, maintain and operate facilities for the storage
of bulk and packaged reagents at 2 to 8 degrees C., at -10  to -20
degrees C., at -70 to -90 degrees C., liquid nitrogen conditions;
and all other items necessary for the Malaria Reagent Repository.
The Contractor shall supply uninterruptible power to accommodate the
refrigerators/freezers and other equipment.  In addition, the
Contractor shall house the units in an air-conditioned facility with
the capacity to maintain a room temperature of 66 degrees to 72
degrees F, when all equipment is operational.  Freezers shall be
connected to a central alarm system monitored 24 hours per day.
Emergency stand-by refrigerators and freezers shall be available in
case of mechanical failure of storage space.  The facility shall
have an auxiliary electric generator capable of operating all
storage equipment for at least 48 hours for back-up in the event of
utility company power failure.  Back-up generator shall be tested at
least monthly.

(NOTE 8 TO THE OFFEROR:   FOR PURPOSES OF PREPARING A COST ESTIMATE,
THE GOVERNMENT ESTIMATES THAT AT THE TIME OF AWARD THE MALARIA
REAGENT REPOSITORY WILL CONSIST OF  APPROXIMATELY 100,000  SAMPLES,
WITH STORAGE REQUIREMENTS AS SHOWN IN ATTACHMENT A.1,  AND THAT
REAGENTS WILL BE ACCRUED AT A RATE OF APPROXIMATELY 30 RECEIVED
MONTHLY FROM DOMESTIC AND INTERNATIONAL SUPPLIERS DURING EACH YEAR
OF THIS CONTRACT.  THE OFFEROR SHOULD ANTICIPATE A 15-20% INCREASE
ANNUALLY IN THE NUMBER OF REAGENT SAMPLES STORED IN THE MALARIA
REAGENT REPOSITORY TO AN ESTIMATED TOTAL OF 250,000  SAMPLES DURING
THE TERM OF THE CONTRACT.

THE OFFEROR SHALL PROVIDE IN THE TECHNICAL PROPOSAL A PLAN FOR
STORAGE AND PROCESSING OF REAGENTS, A FLOOR PLAN OF THE PROPOSED
FACILITY, AND SHALL LIST EQUIPMENT AND RESOURCES DEDICATED TO THE
PROJECT.)

     c.   Assure safe handling of toxic, radioactive, and
potentially hazardous materials.  Specifically, the Contractor shall
comply with all applicable health and safety regulations while
conducting the work set forth herein and follow the standards listed
under Attachment A.2 to the Work Statement.

(NOTE 9 TO THE OFFEROR:  THE OFFEROR MUST INCLUDE IN THE TECHNICAL
PROPOSAL:  (A) EVIDENCE OF ADEQUATE TRAINING OF PERSONNEL HANDLING
INFECTIOUS AGENTS INCLUDING MALARIA PARASITES, HIV, AND HEPATITIS B;
(B) METHODS FOR DEALING WITH ACCIDENTS, AND MONITORING FOR
INFECTION; AND  (C) EVIDENCE FOR THE ABILITY TO IDENTIFY SAFETY
STANDARDS APPLICABLE TO PARTICULAR REAGENTS LIKELY TO BE ACQUIRED.)

     d.   Provide facilities to measure or dispense solid and liquid
reagents into aliquots and labeled vials.  Because of the nature of
some of the reagents, facilities should be available for the
appropriate handling of infectious agents and for hazardous
materials.

     e.   Maintain 24 hour security that provides a secure
environment for employees and materials within the facility.

     f.   Provide an automated temperature monitoring system
monitored 24 hours a day, and measures to ensure that necessary
personnel are notified in the event of a refrigerator/freezer
malfunction.  The Contractor shall be responsible for promptly
repairing malfunctioning equipment or for arranging for the prompt
repair.

(NOTE 10 TO THE OFFEROR:  THE OFFEROR SHALL DESCRIBE AN ACTION PLAN
FOR IDENTIFYING MALFUNCTION, A PROCESS TO TEST CAPABILITY, AND A
PROCESS FOR TRANSFER OF REAGENTS FROM MALFUNCTIONING
REFRIGERATORS/FREEZERS.)

5.   Obtain Approvals and Assurances Necessary to Distribute
Reagents:

     a.   Distribute reagents to approved investigators and
institutions in accordance with operating procedures approved by the
Project Officer.  The Contractor shall consult with the Project
Officer in questionable cases.

     b.   As requested by the Project Officer, develop standard
correspondence for acceptance and distribution of reagents by the
repository.

     c.   Distribute materials only to institutions which, in
addition to other assurances, execute agreements to comply with the
following:

          (1)  All relevant standards for safe handling and use of
the research reagents.

          (2)  Agreement not to use the reagents in any unauthorized
or unsafe way, including compliance with Protection of Human
Subjects, Title 45, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 26; and Public
Health Service Policy on Human Care and Use of Laboratory Animals,
implementing 1996 revisions of the Guide for the Care and Use of
Laboratory Animals.

          (3)  Agreement that if commercial use is planned or
commercial discoveries result through the use of a reagent, such use
will occur only according to the donor-assigned release category for
the reagent.

          (4)  Agreement by reagent recipient investigators and
their institutions to indemnify and hold harmless the United States,
its Contractor, their suppliers, and contributors of reagents from
any claims, costs, damages, or expenses.  The Contractor shall
secure and update/modify these agreements as required by the Project
Officer.

                         (5)       State-Institution Compliance
Agreement by reagent recipient investigators at public institutions
that are unable to accept the terms of the Standard Indemnification
Agreement stated above in c(4), the recipient institution agrees to
be responsible for any claims, costs or expenses that may arise from
the possession and use of reagents to the extent permitted under the
law of the State.

                         (6)  Where applicable, necessary
government/institutional clearance for receipt of live mosquito
vectors.

(NOTE 11 TO THE OFFEROR:  SAMPLES OF CURRENT INDEMNIFICATION
AGREEMENTS FOR BIOHAZARDOUS REAGENTS CURRENTLY USED BY NIAID ARE
INCLUDED IN THE 1996 "NIH AIDS RESEARCH AND REFERENCE REAGENT
PROGRAM CATALOG". )

6.   Ship and Receive Reagents:

     a.   For reagent distribution, ensure assumption of shipping
costs by the recipient whenever possible.  Assumption of shipping
costs for reagent distribution by the Contractor will require prior
approval by the Project Officer.  The Contractor shall assume
shipping costs for reagent acquisition.

     b.   Ship available reagents within 7 working days from the
date requests are received, using the most economical method of
transport appropriate for maintaining stability/viability of the
reagent.

     c.   Develop and maintain an electronic bulletin board that
will allow reagent users and donors to interact directly.

(NOTE 12 TO THE OFFEROR:  FOR THE PURPOSES OF PREPARING A COST
ESTIMATE, THE OFFEROR IS DIRECTED TO ASSUME THAT APPROXIMATELY 300
REAGENTS WILL BE SHIPPED MONTHLY FROM THE MALARIA REAGENT
REPOSITORY, INVOLVING APPROXIMATELY 50 SHIPMENTS, OF WHICH 50% MAY
BE TO OVERSEAS LOCATIONS IN INDUSTRIALIZED AND DEVELOPING COUNTRIES.
THE OFFEROR SHOULD ANTICIPATE APPROXIMATELY 30 INCOMING SHIPMENTS OF
REAGENTS PER MONTH, WITH 50 TO 75%  COMING FROM OVERSEAS.  AT THIS
TIME IT IS NOT ANTICIPATED THAT RECIPIENTS WILL BE CHARGED FOR ANY
REAGENT COSTS EXCEPT SHIPPING.  ANY CHANGE IN THIS POLICY WILL BE
MADE AT THE DISCRETION OF THE PROJECT OFFICER.)

     d.   Provide, packaged with outgoing reagents, data sheets
containing technical information, references and citations of the
relevant information for safe handling and use of the reagents, and
applicable safety standards.  Specific safety standards for the safe
handling and use of specific reagents in compliance with the
guidelines/regulations shall be specified by the Contractor.

     e.   Provide for safe packaging, shipping and distribution of
reagents approved by the Project Officer to eligible research
investigators in the U.S. and abroad so that such shipments are
coordinated for timely receipt.

     f.   Obtain the appropriate licenses and permits required by
local, state and Federal authorities for the safe import, storage
and distribution of reagents.  Additionally, the Contractor shall
obtain the appropriate interstate, intrastate and foreign
import/export shipping licenses and permits for transporting
biohazardous reagents, including live mosquito vectors or their
eggs.

(NOTE 13 TO THE OFFEROR:  THE OFFEROR SHOULD DEMONSTRATE KNOWLEDGE
AND EXPERIENCE IN PACKAGING/SHIPPING BIOHAZARDOUS AND ETIOLOGIC
AGENTS NATIONALLY AND INTERNATIONALLY.  THE OFFEROR SHALL ALSO
DEMONSTRATE KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE IN PROCURING THE APPROPRIATE
IMPORT/EXPORT LICENSES AND PERMITS.  THE OFFEROR SHALL DESCRIBE:
(A) A PLAN FOR PACKAGING AND SHIPPING OF REAGENT REQUESTS, AND
RECEIVING INCOMING REAGENTS; AND   (B) A LIST  OF  EQUIPMENT,
RESOURCES AND FACILITIES DEDICATED TO THE PROJECT.)

     g.   Provide a plan for how the incoming reagents shall be
delivered to the Malaria Reagent Repository in a timely manner,
including 24-hour, seven days a week availability of personnel to
pick up and store incoming shipments of reagents, as well as
maintenance of stability and viability by providing the necessary
temperature in transit from the pick-up site to the Malaria Reagent
Repository.

     h.   Coordinate all shipments so that viability,  biological
activity or purity of the reagents will not be adversely affected.
Send notification by electronic mail/facsimile/telegram to all
foreign investigators to coordinate shipping and receiving of frozen
and refrigerated reagents.  Advise domestic investigators in the
most suitable manner of shipments and arrival dates.  Establish a
mechanism for being notified by the requester of the date reagents
were received and the condition of reagents upon receipt.

     i.   Use shipping containers for reagents which shall comply
with current domestic and international transport regulations and
pertinent International Air Transport Association/International
Civil Aviation Organization Dangerous Goods regulations.  The
shipping containers must provide a sufficient margin of safety for
maintaining appropriate environmental safeguards and desired
refrigeration levels for specific products in transit, depending on
the mode of transportation employed.

     j.   Implement a mechanism to invoice investigators for reagent
distribution fees and shipping charges.  The Contractor shall be
responsible for collecting contract generated revenues and shipping
costs.

7.   Disseminate Public Information Concerning Reagent Availability:

     a.   Promote awareness of the Malaria Reagent Repository's
services throughout the scientific community using electronic and
print media and, as determined by the Project Officer, presentations
at scientific meetings, symposia and workshops.   These shall
include presentations annually at the NIAID International Centers
for Tropical Disease Research meeting, to be held in conjunction
with the meeting of the advisory committee to be held in the
Bethesda, MD.

     b.   Provide HTML copy to publish and periodically update the
Malaria Reagent Repository information on the NIAID Home Page on the
World Wide Web, including but not limited to the Malaria Reagent
Repository catalog, articles on new reagents, protocols, and NIH
initiatives.  These shall be of quality comparable to the
information currently available on the NIAID Home Page.

     c.   Develop and maintain an electronic World Wide Web-based
reagent ordering/donating system. Contractor shall seek to have
links established from relevant sites on the World Wide Web to the
web site describing the repository.

(NOTE 14 TO THE OFFEROR:  THE OFFEROR MUST DESCRIBE A PLAN TO
PROVIDE MALARIA REAGENT REPOSITORY INFORMATION ON THE WORLD WIDE WEB
AND DESCRIBE HOW THE OFFEROR WILL KEEP CURRENT WITH THE ADVANCING
TECHNOLOGY OF THE WORLD WIDE WEB.)

     d.   With approval of the Project Officer, prepare camera-ready
hard copy of a catalog of available reagents.  The Government may
print these catalogs, or the Project Officer and the Contracting
Officer may direct the Contractor to arrange for printing through
the contract.  The catalog shall be prepared annually with a
publication date of January of each year.  The first catalog shall
be published in June 1999.   It is anticipated that approximately
1,000  copies will be printed and distributed annually.  The
Contractor shall distribute the catalogs to the scientific community
using a mailing list to be provided by NIAID, and to others on
request.

(NOTE 15 TO THE OFFEROR:  FOR THE PURPOSES OF PREPARING A COST
ESTIMATE, ASSUME THAT THE CONTRACTOR WILL PAY FOR PRINTING AND
DISTRIBUTING THE CATALOGS.)

     e.   Publish descriptions of  the Malaria Reagent Repository in
relevant scientific journals as determined by the Project Officer.

(NOTE 16 TO THE OFFEROR:  THE OFFEROR SHALL INDICATE IN THE
TECHNICAL PROPOSAL HOW THE EDITORIAL AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR THE
ABOVE PUBLICATIONS WILL BE PROVIDED BY THE CONTRACTOR'S STAFF, OR IF
SUCH SERVICES WILL BE ACQUIRED BY A SUBCONTRACT.  IF A SUBCONTRACT
IS PROPOSED, THE OFFEROR SHALL PROVIDE THE QUALIFICATIONS OF THE
SUBCONTRACTOR WITH THE TECHNICAL PROPOSAL, AND THE COSTS IN THE
BUSINESS PROPOSAL.)

8.   Provide Necessary Malaria Reagent Repository Program Support:

     a.   Support collaborative efforts of the Division of
Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, NIAID, to develop/evaluate and
expand access to reagents, including but not limited to reference
standards and panels of reagents.

     b.   Periodically evaluate services provided by the Malaria
Reagent Repository, including the status and use of reagents, and
other services provided by the contract.

     c.   Provide other related services within the scope of this
contract as may be deemed necessary by the Project Officer.

9.   Provide Support for Sponsored Workshops and Training:

     Under the guidance of the Project Officer, the Contractor shall
sponsor workshops and training opportunities relevant to:
development of  reagents and/or protocols; coordination of the
Malaria Reagent Repository and other programs within NIAID's malaria
research portfolio;  promotion of technology transfer; and
promotion of compliance with relevant regulations, including but not
limited to handling and shipping of infectious agents, and use of
human or animal subjects.  The Contractor shall provide support for
invited participants, including travel and per diem expenses and
honoraria, as directed by the Project Officer.

(NOTE 17 TO THE OFFEROR:  FOR THE PURPOSES OF PREPARING A COST
ESTIMATE, ASSUME TWO, ONE-DAY WORKSHOPS ANNUALLY, FOR 15 INVITEES TO
BE HELD IN THE BETHESDA, MD, AREA.)

10.  Provide an Inventory and Distribution Database and Management
System:

     Maintain an on-going computerized inventory and distribution
database and processing system on an IBM/IBM compatible system which
will track and assist in the coordination of the activities under
this contract.

(NOTE 18 TO THE OFFEROR:  THIS CONTRACT SHALL NOT SUPPORT THE
PURCHASE OF GENERAL PURPOSE ADP EQUIPMENT.  THE OFFEROR MUST PROVIDE
A PLAN TO MAINTAIN AND UPGRADE AN INVENTORY AND DISTRIBUTION
DATABASE USING AN APPROPRIATE MENU-DRIVEN COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE
RELATIONAL DATABASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM.  THIS SYSTEM SHOULD INCLUDE
MODULES TO:  TRACK INDIVIDUAL INVESTIGATORS' REAGENT ACQUISITION AND
RECEIPT;  SUPPORT PRODUCTION OF STANDARD REPORTS, SUCH AS RECEIVING
AND SHIPPING;  TRACK PUBLICATIONS BY REGISTRANTS ACKNOWLEDGING THE
NIAID MALARIA REAGENT REPOSITORY AS A SOURCE OF REAGENTS; AND,
SUPPORT SPECIALIZED REPORTS INCLUDING THE REAGENT INVENTORY,
INVESTIGATOR AFFILIATIONS AND MAILING LISTS.  THE OFFEROR MUST
PROPOSE APPROPRIATE COMPUTER HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE FOR THIS
REQUIREMENT, AND A PLAN FOR MAINTENANCE, DATA INPUT AND DATA BACK-
UP.)

     a.   Keep records for each reagent, including but not limited
to the following:  the source/donor of the reagent; a description of
the reagent; category of reagent (e.g. not of human origin, human
derived, biohazardous, donor assigned category for commercial use);
lot number; date of receipt; quality control information; storage
conditions; solubility of the reagent when appropriate; storage
location; restrictions, if any, on disposition and uses; how
dispensed and to whom; when the reagent was shipped; and
documentation from the recipient that the reagent was received.

     b.   Have the capability to read and generate bar coded labels
for 1.8  ml reagent vials in different formats including numeric,
alpha numeric and colored bar codes.  Software and hardware for
maintaining these records shall be provided by the Contractor.

     c.   Ensure protection against the loss of data by the
duplication of data base files and programs for storage outside of
the Malaria Reagent Repository.  The system in its entirety shall be
completely documented and capable of being transferred to the
Government without interruption.

     d.   Provide for the security and safety of data on the
reagents and information related to the evaluation and use of the
reagents.  All information regarding the evaluation of the reagents
shall be proprietary and treated as such.  The Project Officer shall
be responsible for determining the level of information regarding a
particular reagent that will be made available for dissemination and
to whom the information will be made available.

11.  Meet with the Project Officer:

     The Contractor's key personnel, including the Principal
Investigator, shall meet with the Project Officer at periodic
intervals to be scheduled after contract award, to review the
project and discuss the work to be performed.

It is estimated that a minimum of 4 visits per year will be
necessary to 6003 Executive Boulevard, Rockville, MD 20852, to meet
with the Project Officer.

12.  Ensure an orderly transition of the Malaria Reagent Repository
to a successor Contractor:

     a.   The Contractor shall coordinate  an orderly and safe
transition from the interim Contractor, and an orderly transition to
the successor of this contract, including the movement of stored
reagent samples, data, and all Government furnished property to a
subsequent Contractor or to the Government.

The Contractor shall safely and effectively coordinate the transfer
of the contents of the reagents maintained by the current NIAID
Contractor and begin operation of the Malaria Reagent Repository
within 60 calendar days from the award of the new contract.  The
Contractor, subject to Project Officer approval, shall deliver to
the Government or its designee by the completion date of this
contract, the following items: 1) preserved reagent samples;
2) data files and program comprising the Malaria Reagent Repository
management system;  3) computerized listings of accurate and updated
information on reagent inventory, data files, data bases, original
data and any necessary information related thereto;  4) labeled and
inventoried paper files; and 5) Government owned equipment and
property.

     b.   The Contractor shall commence operation in accordance with
approved Standard Operating Procedures.

(NOTE 19 TO THE OFFEROR:  THE OFFEROR SHALL INCLUDE A "TRANSITION"
PLAN IN THE TECHNICAL PROPOSAL (AND COSTS IN THE BUSINESS PROPOSAL).
IN THE EVENT AN ORGANIZATION OTHER THAN THE CURRENT CONTRACTOR IS
SELECTED, THE RECIPIENT OF THIS NEW AWARD WILL WORK WITH THE CURRENT
CONTRACTOR TO MOVE THE MALARIA REAGENT REPOSITORY COLLECTION
(CURRENTLY LOCATED IN ROCKVILLE, MD), AND ALL GOVERNMENT FURNISHED
PROPERTY LISTED UNDER ATTACHMENT A.1. TO THE STATEMENT OF WORK, TO
THE NEW SITE.  IT IS ESTIMATED THAT THIS TRANSITION WILL BEGIN
WITHIN 14 CALENDAR DAYS OF THE AWARD AND WILL BE ACCOMPLISHED NO
LATER THAN 30 CALENDAR DAYS FROM THE AWARD OF THE NEW CONTRACT.
THEREFORE, THE OFFEROR SHALL PROVIDE, IN THE TECHNICAL PROPOSAL, A
TRANSITION PLAN FOR COORDINATING BETWEEN THE INCUMBENT CONTRACTOR
AND THE OFFEROR THAT SHALL INCLUDE ALL TASKS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS
RELOCATION EFFORT AND THE MANNER OF OPERATIONS BY THE OFFEROR DURING
THE TRANSITION PERIOD.  INCLUDE ANY PROPOSED TRAINING TIME
ASSOCIATED WITH TRANSFER AND OPERATION OF THE CURRENT MALARIA
REAGENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM.  INCLUDE ALL COSTS WITH THE BUSINESS
PROPOSAL ONLY.)

(NOTE 20 TO THE OFFEROR:  THE OFFEROR SHOULD FURNISH ITS PROPOSED
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE CONDUCT OF THIS
CONTRACT AS AN ATTACHMENT TO THE TECHNICAL PROPOSAL.)

(GENERAL NOTE TO THE OFFEROR:  See Attachment D, Item 5 for
information on page limitations.)

-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-
_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-

ATTACHMENT A.1

LIST OF GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY

1.  Equipment:
Dates Purchased

    2  -85 C chest freezers with inventory rack system
1997
    2  -35 C  chest freezers with inventory rack system
1997
    1  liquid nitrogen vapor phase freezer with inventory rack
system           1997
    5  liquid nitrogen dry shippers
1997

2.  Computer Software:

    Windows based inventory database system

3.  Reagents:
    Majority of the approximately 100,000  reagent samples will be
stored in 1.0 or 2.0 ml Nunc tube type vials as follows:

    Storage Temperature     Storage Space       Number of Samples
    (degrees Centigrade)    (cubic foot)

       -35                  30             80,000
       -85                  50             15,000
      Liquid Nitrogen                       5,000

      Total                               100,000

-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-
_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-

ATTACHMENT A.2

SAFETY CONTROLS AND STANDARDS

A.   In order to provide safety controls for protection to the life
and health of employees and other persons; for prevention of damage
to all property; and for avoidance of work interruptions in the
performance of the contract; the Contractor and any subcontractors
shall comply with the following standards or subsequent issues, and
any supplements.  In addition, the Contractor shall comply with all
applicable Federal, state and local laws, codes, ordinances and
regulations, including obtaining of all required licenses and
permits in connection with biological and hazardous materials.

         (1)   Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical
Laboratories, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers
for Disease Control (CDC) and the NIH, HHS Pub. No. (CDC) 93-8395.

         (2)   NIH Guidelines for the Laboratory Use of Chemical
Carcinogens, NIH Publication No. 81-2385.

         (3)   Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Publications:  (I) 29 CFR Part 1910.1030,  Occupational Exposure to
Blood Borne Pathogens; Final Rule; and  (ii) 29 CFR Part 1910,
Occupational Exposure in Laboratories; Final Rule.

     The above, 1 and 2, may be obtained from:

          Division of Safety
          Office of Research Services
          National Institutes of Health
          Building 31 - Room 1C02
          Bethesda, Maryland  20892

OSHA Publications listed above (item 3) may be obtained by
contacting US Government Publication Office at (202) 783-3238.

B.   The contractor, or subcontractor, shall identify any particular
safety standards that are not referenced above as applicable to a
particular reagent, and after approval by the Project Officer,
communicate that information to the recipient of the reagent.

-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-

********************************************************************
**********************************

RFP-NIH-NIAID-DMID-98-17

ATTACHMENT B

REPORTING REQUIREMENTS AND DELIVERABLES
--------------------------------------------------------------------

The Contractor shall submit to the Contracting Officer and to the
Project officer technical progress reports covering the work
accomplished during each reporting period as stated below:

A.   Quarterly Reports

         By the fifteenth working day after completion of each
quarter, the Contractor shall submit 3 copies of a report of work
performed in the previous quarter.  Each quarterly report shall
consist of:

     1.   A cover page containing:

          (a)  Contract number and title;

          (b)  Period of performance being reported;

          (c)  Contractor's name and address;

          (d)  Author(s); and

          (e)  Date of submission

     2.   Information which shall include a brief summary of the
work performed during the reporting period but not be limited to
the following:

          (a)  An inventory report of the quantity and types of each
reagent stored as of the last day of each quarter;

          (b)  A list of reagents assayed during the quarter, and
type of assay and results of the assay;

          (c)  A summary of reagents shipped which will have the
following information for each reagent:

               (i)  Quantity of the reagent,

               (ii) Date of shipment,

               (iii) Date of receipt of shipment,

               (iv)  Name and address of the recipient,

                (v)  Problems associated with any shipment

          (d)  A summary of reagents that were acquired during the
quarter which will list the following information for each:

               (i)   Quantity of reagent,

               (ii)  Source of reagent,

               (iii) Description of reagent,

               (iv)  Quality control information, and

               (v)   Restrictions on disposition and use.

               (vi)  Unit and total cost of reagent.

          (e)  Cumulative list of publications by registrants
acknowledging the NIAID Malaria Reagent Repository as a source
of reagents.

          (f)  Feedback on reagents use.

          (g)  Maintenance problems encountered and corrective
action taken.

          (h)  Need for replacement or repair of Government
furnished equipment.

          (i)  Description of current technical or administrative
problems encountered, their resolution or the proposed corrective
action.

B.   Final Report

     The Contractor shall submit 3 copies of the final report which
documents and summarizes the results of the entire contract for the
period of performance.  This report will provide a final inventory
and contain a cover page described in A.I.  above and the
information required in A.2.  above.

     1.   The final report shall be submitted by the completion date
of the contract.

     2.   If the Contractor is unable to deliver the reports
specified hereunder within the period of performance because of
unforeseen difficulties, notwithstanding the exercise of good faith
and diligent efforts in performance of the work, the Contractor shall
give the Contracting Officer immediate written notice of anticipated
delays with reasons therefor.

     3.   Type of Report    No. of
          Due Dates         Copies     Addressee/Distribution

          Quarterly           2          Project Officer

          Quarterly           1          Contracting Officer
                                         CMB, NIAID
                                         Solar Building - Room 3C07
                                         6003, Executive Boulevard
                                         Bethesda, MD  20892-7610

          Final               2          Same as Project Officer
                                                above

          Final               1          Same as Contracting Officer
                                                above

C.   Other Deliverables

         The Contractor, subject to the Contracting Officer's
approval, shall deliver to the Government or its designee by the
completion date of the Contract, the following items:

     (1)  Preserved reagent samples;

     (2)  Malaria Reagent Repository management system and
documentation on the computer
systems/files;

     (3)  Computerized listing of accurate and updated information
on reagent inventory, including activities of the Malaria Reagent
Repository, data files, data bases, original data and any necessary
information related thereto;

     (4)  Labeled and inventoried paper files; and

     (5)  Government-owned equipment and property.

********************************************************************

RFP-NIH-NIAID-DMID-98-17

ATTACHMENT C

PROPOSAL EVALUATION CRITERIA
---------------------------------------------------

1.   GENERAL

     Selection of an offeror for contract award will be based on an
evaluation of proposals against three factors.  The factors in order
of importance are: technical, cost, and past performance.  Although
technical factors are of paramount consideration in the award of the
contract, both past performance and cost/price are also important to
the overall contract award decision.  All evaluation factors other
than cost or price, when combined, are significantly more important
than cost or price.

Offerors are advised that award will be made to that offeror whose
proposal provides the best overall value to the Government.

The evaluation will be based on the demonstrated capabilities of the
prospective contractors in relation to the needs of the project as
set forth in the RFP.  The merits of each proposal will be evaluated
carefully.  Each proposal must document the feasibility of
successful implementation of the requirements of the RFP.  Offerors
must submit information sufficient to evaluate their proposals based
on the detailed criteria listed below.

2.   TECHNICAL FACTOR

         Proposals submitted in response to this RFP will be
evaluated based on the following factors which are listed and
weighted in order of their relative importance.   Proposals will be
judged solely on the written material provided by the offeror.  It
is anticipated that one award will be made as a result of this
acquisition, dependent on the availability of funds.

TECHNICAL EVALUATION CRITERIA

         A.    Technical Approach                       (55 Points)

                  (i)    Documented adequacy and feasibility of the
proposed methods and approaches for operating a repository and
reagent distribution center, including:  transfer of current
physical inventory, database system and Government-owned equipment
from current contractor; initiation and phase-in of work;
identification, prioritization, and acquisition of reagents from
domestic and international sources; aliquoting, labeling and storage
of reagents; selection and maintenance of computerized database
system for inventory and tracking; processing of requests; and,
shipment of reagents.                                   (25 points)

                  (ii)   Documented adequacy and feasibility of the
proposed methods and approaches for  production, expansion, and
quality control, including evaluation of the quality and activity of
the reagents.                                           (20 points)

                  (iii)  Documented adequacy and feasibility of the
proposed methods and approaches for providing  services for
coordination of  the operation of the Malaria Reagent Repository
with the malaria research community, biotechnology and
pharmaceutical companies (worldwide), technology transfer officials,
and NIAID, including maintaining and updating inventory information
on the World Wide Web, providing  technical information on reagents
and assays; sponsoring workshops and awareness-promoting activities,
and providing training.                                 (10 points)

         B.    Personnel Qualifications                 (25 Points)

Documented adequacy and suitability of the training, previous
experience, and availability of the Principal Investigator and staff
for conducting all aspects of the Statement of Work, including:
previous experience in the operations and coordination of a
biologics repository; demonstrated knowledge and research experience
in microbiology in order to provide technical experience; laboratory
competence and familiarity with safety regulations; and, familiarity
with database management, website maintenance and meeting support.

         C.    Facilities and Resources                (20 Points)

Documented availability of adequate facilities, equipment and
resources necessary to safely operate, maintain and expand this
Malaria Reagent Repository plus appropriate support services,
including facilities to ship, receive and store hazardous and
infectious agents, and maintain their activity and viability;
produce and expand reagents; perform quality control functions; and,
maintain a computerized database system.

     TOTAL                                             100 Points

3.   PAST PERFORMANCE FACTOR

The offeror's past performance will be evaluated after completion of
the technical evaluation.  Only those offerors comprising the
competitive range will be evaluated.  The Government will evaluate
the quality of the offeror's past performance based on information
obtained from references provided by the offeror, as well as other
relevant past performance information obtained from other sources
known to the Government.

Evaluation of past performance will be a subjective assessment based
on a consideration of all relevant facts and circumstances.  The
Government is seeking to determine whether the offeror has
consistently demonstrated a commitment to customer satisfaction and
timely delivery of services at fair and reasonable prices.

The assessment of the offeror's past performance will be used as a
means of evaluating the relative capability of the offeror and the
other competitors.  Thus, an offeror with an exceptional record of
past performance may receive a more favorable evaluation than
another whose record is acceptable, even though both may have
acceptable technical and management proposals.

Past performance will be ranked and the Government's conclusions
about overall quality of the offeror's past performance may be
influential in determining the relative merits of the offeror's
proposal and in selecting the offeror whose proposal is considered
most advantageous to the Government.

By past performance, the Government means the offeror's record of
conforming to specifications and to standards of good workmanship;
the offeror's record of forecasting and controlling costs; the
offeror's adherence to contract schedules, including the
administrative aspects of performance; the offeror's reputation for
reasonable and cooperative behavior and commitment to customer
satisfaction; and generally, the offeror's business-like concern for
the interest of the customer.

Offerors shall submit the following information as part of their
business proposals (for both the offeror and proposed major
subcontractors):  a list of the contracts completed during the past
THREE years and ALL contracts currently in progress for products or
services similar to those being acquired under this RFP.  Contracts
listed may include those entered into with the Federal Government,
agencies of state and local governments and commercial customers.
Offerors that are newly formed entities without prior contracts
should list contracts and subcontracts as required above for all key
personnel.  Include the following information for each contract:

     1.   Name of Contracting Organization
     2.   Contract Number
     3.   Contract Type
     4.   Total Contract Value
     5.   Description of Requirement
     6.   Contracting Officer's Name and Telephone Number
     7.   Project Officer's Name and Telephone Number

********************************************************************

RFP-NIH-NIAID-DMID-98-17

ATTACHMENT D

SPECIFIC RFP INSTRUCTIONS AND PROVISIONS

-----------------------------------------

NOTICE TO OFFERORS:  This attachment contains proposal instructions
and information which are specifically related to this acquisition.
The information provided below is only a portion of the instructions
and notices required for the submission of a proposal.  References
to additional, more general information, and forms regarding
proposal preparation are contained in Attachment E, "Applicable RFP
References."

1.   NUMBER AND TYPE OF AWARD(S)  (NIH 2980) (APR 1984)

It is anticipated that one (1) award will be made from this
solicitation and that the award will be made on/about September 25,
1998.

It is anticipated that the award from this solicitation will be a
multiple-year cost reimbursement completion type contract with a 7
year performance period, and that incremental funding will be used
[see paragraph (6) of Business Proposal Instructions, in the
"Standard RFP Instructions and Provisions" of the Gopher RFP].

2.   ESTIMATE OF EFFORT

It is expected that a completion type contract will be awarded as
a result of this RFP.  To assist you in the preparation of your
proposal, the Government considers the effort to be approximately
3,800%.  This estimate is furnished for the offeror's information
only and is not to be considered restrictive for proposal purposes.

As further assistance, it is estimated that the above total labor
effort is constituted as follows:

                           Labor Percentages
Labor
Category                 Year 1   Year 2   Year 3-7    Total

Professional - P.I.        25%     25%      25%         175%
Co-investigator            75%     75%     200%       1,150%
Technical                 150%    150%     250%       1,550%
Administrative             50%     75%     100%         625%
Driver/Assistant           25%     25%      50%         300%
Total                     325%    350%     625%       3,800%

These percentages are based on a 12 month calendar year.

3.   SERVICE OF PROTEST (AUG 1996) - FAR 52.233-2

(1)  Protests, as defined in section 33.101 of the Federal
Acquisition Regulation, that are filed directly with an agency, and
copies of any protests that are filed with the General Accounting
Office (GAO), shall be served on the Contracting Officer (addressed
as follows) by obtaining written and dated acknowledgment of receipt
from:

Hand-Carried Address:

Rosemary McCabe Hamill
Contract Management Branch
DEA, NIAID, NIH
Solar Building, Room 3C07
6003 Executive Boulevard
Rockville, MD 20852

Mailing address (U.S.) Postal Service

Judith Rubinstein
Contract Management Branch
DEA, NIAID, NIH
Solar Building, Room 3C07
6003 Executive Boulevard (MSC 7610)
Bethesda, MD 20892-7610

NOTE:  All material sent to this office by Federal Express should be
sent to the Hand Carried Address.

(2)  The copy of any protest shall be received in the office
designated above within one day of filing a protest with the GAO.

4.  PACKAGING AND DELIVERY OF THE PROPOSAL  (NIH 2995) (JUL 1994)

Your proposal shall be organized as specified in Section C.1.,
"Standard RFP Instructions and Provisions".  Shipment and marking
shall be as indicated below.

EXTERNAL PACKAGE MARKING

In addition to the address cited below, mark each package as
follows:

          "RFP NO. NIH-NIAID-DMID-98-17
           TO BE OPENED BY AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT PERSONNEL ONLY"
--------------------------------------------------------------------

NUMBER OF COPIES

The number of copies required of each part of your proposal are as
specified below.

TECHNICAL PROPOSAL:  ORIGINAL AND 19 COPIES

BUSINESS PROPOSAL:   ORIGINAL AND 5 COPIES

NOTE:  THE ORIGINAL PROPOSAL MUST BE READILY ACCESSIBLE FOR DATE
STAMPING.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------

COPIES TO:

If hand-delivered or delivery service

Judith Rubinstein
Contract Management Branch
DEA, NIAID, NIH
Solar Building, Room 3C07
6003 Executive Boulevard
Rockville, MD 20852

If using U.S. Postal Service

Judith Rubinstein
Contract Management Branch
DEA, NIAID, NIH
Solar Building, Room 3C07
6003 Executive Boulevard (MSC 7610)
Bethesda, MD 20892-7610

NOTE:  All material sent to this office by Federal Express should be
sent to the Hand Carried Address.

NOTE:     The U.S. Postal Service's "Express Mail" does not deliver
to the Rockville, Maryland address.  Any package sent to the
Rockville address via this service will be held at a local post
office for pick-up.  THE GOVERNMENT IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR PICKING
UP ANY MAIL AT A LOCAL POST OFFICE.  If a proposal is not received
at the place, date, and time specified herein, it will be considered
a "late proposal," in accordance with PHSAR 352.215-10,  Late
Proposals, Modifications of Proposals and Withdrawals of Proposals
(NOV 1986).

5.   TECHNICAL PROPOSAL TABLE OF CONTENTS/FORMAT-ORGANIZATION OF THE
TECHNICAL PROPOSAL

NOTE:  Offerors are requested to adhere to a limitation of 120 pages
in the technical proposal (including description of any
subcontracting arrangements), exclusive of appendices.  Appendices
shall have no page limitation.  "Appendices" are defined as
laboratory manuals, standard operating procedures, and copies of
publications or manuscripts.  All other documents will be included
in the page count, except that cover pages, tables of contents,
listings of figures, and indices may be used and will not be
included in the page count.   A transmittal letter may be used to
forward proposals to the contracting officer and will not count
against the page count.  Type density and size must be 10 to 12
points.  If constant spacing is used, there should be no more than
15 characters per inch (cpi), whereas proportional spacing should
provide an average of no more than 15 cpi.  There must be no more
than six lines of text within a vertical inch.  Please number each
page.

PLEASE USE THE FOLLOWING FORMAT TO ORGANIZE AND PRESENT YOUR
TECHNICAL PROPOSAL.  THIS WILL AID IN THE REVIEW OF THE PROPOSALS
RECEIVED.

SECTION #

I.   Technical Proposal Cover Sheet (Format in Section C of Gopher
RFP:  FORMS, FORMATS, ATTACHMENTS)

II.  Technical Proposal Table of Contents

III. Technical Plan
     (Refer to Technical Proposal Instructions, Section C.1.,
Standard RFP Instructions and Provisions, Gopher RFP)

For each subsection, offerors should structure their proposals to
mirror the work statement and evaluation criteria.  In case of any
inconsistency between the language below and the work
statement/evaluation criteria, the latter rule.

     A.  Resources and Environment

     Provide evidence of availability of adequate facilities,
equipment, supplies and resources to needed to safely
operate, maintain and expand the Malaria Reagent Repository,
including the following functions:

     - Shipment, receipt, storage and handling of hazardous and
infectious agents, and maintenance of their activity and
viability, and assurance of their safe handling.
     - Production, expansion and quality control of reagents
     - Maintenance of computerized data base system
     - Preparation and distribution of reagent catalog

     Provide description of safety procedures used in transporting
and working with biohazards.

     B.  Statement of Work

     This should describe the proposed methods and approaches for
operating a repository and reagent distribution center, including:

     - Transfer of current physical inventory, database system and
Government-owned equipment from the current contractor.
     - Initiation and phase in of work
     - Identification, prioritization, acquisition, receipt and
distribution/shipping of reagents
     - Aliquoting, labeling and storage of reagents
     - Production, expansion and quality control of reagents
     - Maintenance of computerized database system for inventory and
tracking
     - Coordination of repository operation with the malaria
research community, including:
       -- maintaining and updating inventory information on the
World Wide Web
       -- development and maintenance of World Wide Web-based
reagent ordering/donating system
       -- development and maintenance of electronic bulletin board
for interaction of reagent donors and users
       -- providing technical information on reagents and assays
       -- Sponsoring workshops and other awareness promoting
activities, and providing training

     C.  Personnel

     List all personnel for the project, including the Principal
Investigator and other investigators, subcontractors,
consultants/collaborators, and technical/support staff.  List each
by name, title, department, and organization.

     For each person, document his/her professional qualifications,
time commitment, and knowledge of and experience in:

     - operations and coordination of a biologics repository
     - microbiology research
     - laboratory operations and procedures
     - safety regulations
     - database management
     - website maintenance
     - public dissemination of information
     - meeting planning and support

IV.  Summary of Current and Proposed Activities form in the FORMS,
FORMATS, ATTACHMENTS Directory found in Section C, Gopher RFP)

V.   Technical Proposal Cost Information form (Format in Section C,
Gopher RFP, FORMS, FORMATS, & ATTACHMENTS)

<End form (Technical Proposal Table of Contents)>

6.  PROPOSAL INTENT RESPONSE SHEET

RFP No.  NIH-NIAID-DMID-98-17

NIAID MALARIA RESEARCH AND REFERENCE REAGENT REPOSITORY

PLEASE REVIEW THE ATTACHED REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL.  FURNISH THE
INFORMATION REQUESTED BELOW AND RETURN THIS PAGE BY DECEMBER 22,
1997.   YOUR EXPRESSION OF INTENT IS NOT BINDING BUT WILL GREATLY
ASSIST US IN PLANNING FOR PROPOSAL EVALUATION.

===============================================

[  ]  DO INTEND TO SUBMIT A PROPOSAL FOR THE FOLLOWING:

RFP No.  NIH-NIAID-DMID-98-17
NIAID MALARIA RESEARCH AND REFERENCE REAGENT REPOSITORY

[  ]  DO NOT INTEND TO SUBMIT A PROPOSAL FOR THE FOLLOWING REASONS:

____________________________________________________________________

COMPANY/INSTITUTION NAME:  _________________________________________
ADDRESS:                   _________________________________________
                           _________________________________________
                           _________________________________________
                           _________________________________________

PROJECT DIRECTOR'S NAME:
_________________________________________
TITLE:
_________________________________________
SIGNATURE:
_________________________________________
(Date)
TELEPHONE NUMBER:
_________________________________________

NAMES OF COLLABORATING INSTITUTIONS AND INVESTIGATORS (include
Subcontractors
and Consultants):
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________

(Continue list on reverse if necessary)

===============================================
RETURN TO:

CMB, NIAID, NIH
Solar Building, Room 3C07
6003 Executive Boulevard (MSC 7610)
Bethesda, MD 20892-7610
Attn: Judith Rubinstein
      RFP-NIH-NIAID-DMID-98-17

<End form (Proposal Intent)>
_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-

7.   SIC CODE AND SIZE STANDARD

Note: The following information is to be used by the offeror in
preparing its Representations and Certifications (see Section C.4 of
the Gopher RFP), specifically in completing the provision entitled,
SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM REPRESENTATIONS (JAN 1997), FAR 52.219-1:

     The standard industrial classification (SIC) code for this
acquisition is 8999.  The small business size standard is
$5.0 million.

     THIS REQUIREMENT IS NOT SET-ASIDE FOR SMALL BUSINESS.  However,
the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) requires in every
solicitation, (except for foreign acquisitions) the inclusion of the
Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) Code and corresponding size
standard which best describes the nature of the requirement in the
solicitation.

8.   GOVERNMENT NOTICE FOR HANDLING PROPOSALS

AN OFFEROR SHALL PLACE THIS NOTICE ON TOP OF EACH COPY OF ITS
TECHNICAL PROPOSAL.

This proposal shall be used and disclosed for evaluation purposes
only, and a copy of this Government notice shall be applied to any
reproduction or abstract thereof.  Any authorized restrictive
notices which the submitter places on this proposal shall also be
strictly complied with.  Disclosure of this proposal outside the
Government for evaluation purposes shall be made only to the extent
authorized by, and in accordance with, the procedures in HHSAR
paragraph 315.608-72.

(For information regarding authorized restrictive notices, offerors
should refer to the "Confidentiality of Proposals" section of the
STANDARD RFP INSTRUCTIONS AND PROVISIONS subdirectory of the RFP
REFERENCES directory of the Gopher RFP.).

9.  NOTICE OF PLANNING MEETING FOR THE NIAID MALARIA RESEARCH AND
REFERENCE  REAGENT REPOSITORY

This is a scientific meeting to assist the Government in directing
the work of the interim repository and to aid the Government in
directing the new award.  The meeting is not a pre-proposal
conference. However, interested parties may attend.

Dates and Times:  November 24, 1997,  9:00 A.M. -  5:30 P.M.
                  November 25, 1997,  9:00 A.M. - 12:15 P.M.

Location:     Solar Building, Room 1A01
              6003 Executive Boulevard
              Rockville, MD 20852

Topics likely to be discussed:

- Background on "Multilateral Initiative on Malaria"
- Related NIAID activities
- Purpose of the repository
- Description of the interim and full malaria repositories
- Description of the DAIDS repository (a model for the malaria
repository)
- Reagent acquisition

Interest groups will be formed which will address issues such as the
following:

- Drug development
- Medical entomology
- Vaccine development
- Criteria for prioritization of reagent acquisition/development
- Minimum requirements for reagent characterization upon donation to
the repository
- Minimum requirements for QA/QC for different types of reagents
- Distribution mechanism for field-acquired reagents
- How to handle proprietary concerns
- How to deal with ethical issues regarding use of human tissues
- Training/technology transfer

If you plan to attend please contact Judith Rubinstein.

Phone:   301-496-2509
FAX:     301-480-5253
e-mail:  jr205j@nih.gov

10.  The following clause will be included in any contract issued
under this RFP.

RECIPIENTS REIMBURSEMENT PROCEDURES

During the course of this contract, the Contracting Officer or the
duly designated representative will notify the contractor to make
certain shipments directly to specified U.S. Government Recipients,
Contractors, Government Agencies, or other private organizations and
the Contractor shall make such shipments as directed.

The Contractor shall bill recipients directly for the items
provided.  The charges for the cost of these items shall be based
upon the current price list for the items as specified by the
Government.  Revised price lists will be issued by the Government
when appropriate.

The Contractor shall keep an accurate account of all payments
received from recipients separate from other fiscal aspects of the
contract.  The Contractor shall record as credits on monthly
invoices to the Government, all payments received from the
Government Grantees/Contractors/Government Agencies/or other private
organizations.  The income from recipients must be credited to the
Government in the billing period actually received.  Thus, the
Contractor shall bill the Government directly for payment of
contract costs received and shall subtract as a credit all payments
received from recipients.  The actual collections from sales shall
be offset against the gross billing leaving a new amount due on the
invoice.

The designated Project Officer may direct from time to time that
shipments be made entirely at Government expense.

The Contractor shall account for the contract related income
separately in accordance with its own double entry accounting
system.  The Contractor shall submit to the Government a monthly or
Quarterly Summary Sheet of Sales with the Progress Report.

The administration of the contract related income shall be subject
to the terms of this contract, including specifically and without
limitation, the Audit-Negotiation clause (FAR 52.215-2) and the
applicable cost principles of the Federal Acquisition Regulation.

The Contractor shall use the following procedures for collection of
delinquent accounts:

Step 1 - Accounts 30 days past due: a copy of the invoice shall be
sent to the recipient with a notation that the account is overdue
and request payment.

Step 2 - Accounts 60 days past due: the Contractor shall notify the
Project Officer.

When the completion (final) invoice is submitted on this contract, a
listing of all outstanding recipient invoices shall be provided
along with details as to what disposition is expected on each.  If
the amount of revenues generated by the sale of research substances
exceed the total cost of performance plus fixed fee (if any), the
excess shall be refunded to the Government in accordance with the
Contracting Officer s instructions.  If revenues are received after
submission of the completion voucher, you shall forward a check to
the National Institutes of Health in the amount of the revenues
received.  Such check shall be made out to the Department of Health
and Human Services (address to be provided).

Note: At this time, charges will consist solely of shipping costs
and can be recouped by shipping COD, using the recipient's Overnight
service account or other appropriate mechanism.  The requirements of
this clause would go into effect when the government provides the
price list referenced above.

********************************************************************

RFP-NIH-NIAID-DMID-98-17

ATTACHMENT E

APPLICABLE RFP REFERENCES
-------------------------

This section identifies the items found in the Gopher directory
entitled RFP REFERENCES that are applicable to this RFP.

1.  The entire file entitled "STANDARD RFP INSTRUCTIONS AND
PROVISIONS" is applicable to this RFP, except as otherwise may be
modified by the inclusion of an item from the "OPTIONAL RFP
INSTRUCTIONS AND PROVISIONS".

2.  The following items are applicable from the file entitled
"OPTIONAL RFP INSTRUCTIONS AND PROVISIONS":

    a.   LATE PROPOSALS, MODIFICATIONS OF PROPOSAL, AND WITHDRAWALS
OF PROPOSALS, PHS 352.215-10

    b.   HUMAN SUBJECTS NOTICE TO OFFERORS OF REQUIREMENTS OF 45 CFR
PART 46, PROTECTION OF HUMAN SUBJECTS (SEPTEMBER
1985)
    (Applies to collection and use of reagents.)

    c .  CARE OF LIVE VERTEBRATE ANIMALS

    d.  SMALL BUSINESS AND SMALL DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS
SUBCONTRACTING PLAN (does not apply to small business)

    Note: A Subcontracting Plan is not due with the initial
proposal.  The Contracting Officer will notify offerors if a
plan becomes due.

    e.  PAST PERFORMANCE INFORMATION  (Since past performance is an
evaluation criterion, this item is applicable.)

    f.  FACILITIES CAPITAL COST OF MONEY (for commercial
organizations)

3.   The following items/files are applicable from the subdirectory
entitled "FORMS, FORMATS, AND ATTACHMENTS":

     Applicable to Technical Proposal

     a.  Technical Proposal Cover Sheet

     b.  Technical Proposal Cost Information, Dec. 1988

     c.  Summary of Current and Proposed Activities, July 1995

     d.  Technical Proposal Table of Contents, July 1995

     Applicable to Business Proposal

     e.  Contract Pricing Proposal, SF 1411, (Rev. 10/95)

     f.  Proposal Summary and Data Record, NIH-2043 (Rev. 9/96)

     g.  Business Proposal Cost Information

     h.  Disclosure of Lobbying Activities, OMB Form SF-LLL, Dec.
1989

     To Become Contract Attachments

     i.  Invoice/Financing Requests Instructions for NIH
Cost-Reimbursement Type Contracts, NIH(RC)-1, May 1997.

     j.  Procurement of Certain Equipment, NIH(RC)-7 (OMB Bulletin
81-16), Apr. 1984.

     k.  Form NIH 2706 (Financial Report) and Instructions for
Completing Form NIH 2706

     Note:  Financial reports are not always required.  This will be
discussed during negotiations.

     l.  Protection of Human Subjects Assurance
Identification/Certification/Declaration, Optional Form 310,
(Rev. 1/95).

     Other-to be submitted as directed by Contracting Officer

     m.  Certificate of Current Cost or Pricing Data, NIH-1397.

     n.  Subcontracting Plan Format

4.   The Representations And Certifications are applicable.

5.   The "Sample Contract Format-General" is applicable.

<End of List of Applicable RFP References>