Preclinical Agent Development Assays 2012-2016

The National Cancer Institute's (NCI) Preclinical Agent Development Assays Master IDIQ contract supports advanced research in cancer prevention through mechanism-based screening and development of potential chemopreventive agents. The contract focuses on in vitro and in vivo experimental methodologies designed to evaluate agents that can inhibit, reverse, or delay early carcinogenesis across multiple research endpoints. These endpoints include analyzing pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, molecular targets and pathways, cell transformation, proliferation, and apoptosis using state-of-the-art experimental techniques. The contract vehicle enables NCI to commission specialized preclinical research targeting various cancer types and potential preventative interventions.

The task orders under this IDIQ demonstrate a consistent focus on cancer prevention research, with typical contract values ranging from approximately $400,000 to $800,000 and durations of roughly two years. Frequent prime contractors include the University of Oklahoma, University of Alabama at Birmingham, and Weill Medical College of Cornell University. The task orders cover diverse research approaches, such as investigating chemopreventive effects of drugs like aspirin, metformin, and naproxen; evaluating potential cancer prevention through vaccines and specific molecular inhibitors; and examining cancer prevention strategies across different dietary conditions. None of the task orders utilized small business set-aside designations, and the research predominantly focused on preclinical studies involving in vitro and in vivo testing using animal models. The funding consistently originated from the National Cancer Institute's Division of Cancer Prevention, supporting its mission of developing novel cancer prevention strategies.