B01 - RFI - Scientific Support for Viral Diseases Branch (VDB) Research Projects.pdf

Subject: Scientific Support for Viral Diseases Branch (VDB) Research Projects

Requiring Activity Name: Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR), Viral Diseases Branch

(VDB)

THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) OR A REQUEST FOR QUOTATIONS

(RFQ); IT IS STRICTLY A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI). NEITHER UNSOLICITED

PROPOSALS NOR ANY OTHER KINDS OF OFFERS WILL BE CONSIDERED IN RESPONSE

TO THIS RFI. NO CONTRACT WILL BE AWARDED PURSUANT TO THIS

ANNOUNCEMENT.

1.0 DISCLAIMER: This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes and does not constitute a solicitation. Neither unsolicited proposals nor any other kind of offers will be considered in response to this RFI. Responses to this notice are not offers and will not be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. Responders are solely responsible for all expenses associated with responding to this RFI. All information received in response to this RFI that is marked Proprietary will be handled accordingly. Responses to the RFI will not be returned. At this time, questions concerning the composition and requirements for a future RFP will not be entertained.

2.0 SUBJECT: This is a summary of the Performance Work Statement for this requirement. The purpose of this requirement is to provide expertise and materials in support of ongoing research projects in the VDB. Types of services for this requirement include expertise and historic knowledge regarding the single cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) pipeline established in the VDB and associated data analysis strategies as well as the Alpha-Virus Vectored Antibody Delivery (AVVAD) platform.

3.0 BACKGROUND: The purpose of this requirement is to provide expertise and materials to deliver scientific and technical support as necessary to the WRAIR VDB for several research projects ongoing in support of the VDB mission.

The mission of the VDB is to protect and sustain the health of the US military through the conduct of high quality, strategic, and mission relevant infectious diseases research with a focus on viral diseases.

VDB works to achieve their mission by first and foremost understanding the infectious diseases threatening the Fighting Force both domestically and abroad. The VDB focuses on viral disease threats, minus the human immunodeficiency virus, but stands ready to assist colleagues and collaborators supporting the USAMRDC mission across multiple work areas. The VDB works on dengue, Zika, influenza, adenovirus, and coronavirus infections and is exploring other emerging and re-emerging viral diseases posing a potential risk to the Force (i.e. chikungunya virus, etc.). Infectious disease syndromes caused by existing, emerging, or re-emerging viral pathogens, not otherwise identified, are also of interest to the VDB.

4.0 RESPONSE INSTRUCTIONS: Respondents should address the following in their capabilities statement:

Ability to provide expertise and materials to deliver scientific and technical support as necessary to the WRAIR VDB for Sieve analysis of breakthrough influenza infections to identify viral and immunological markers of vaccine failure (PAIVED IAA); Single cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) data analysis and interpretation; and Alpha-Virus Vectored Antibody Delivery (AVVAD): Antibody delivery for infectious disease prevention.

1.1. Specific Tasks / Requirements

1.1.1. Project #1: Sieve analysis of breakthrough influenza infections to identify viral and immunological markers of vaccine failure (PAIVED IAA)

a. Make probes for detection of influenza specific B cells

b. Measure and sort influenza specific B cells from PBMC Run scRNAseq on sorted influenza-specific B cells

c. Make libraries and send to WRAIR for sequencing

d. Share fasta files containing BCR/antibody sequences

e. Test putitive influenza-reactive mAbs by ELISA

f. Test putitive influenza-reactive mAbs by neut assay

g. Provide a summary of all data generated and analyses performed

1.1.2. Project #2: Single cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) data analysis and interpretation

a. Design and provide guidance on scRNAseq analysis for ADVP005

b. Provide gene count matrix for each sample

c. Provide annotated R code of analysis

d. Provide a summary of all data generated and analyses performed

1.1.3. Project #3: Alpha-Virus Vectored Antibody Delivery (AVVAD): antibody delivery for infectious disease prevention

a. Design scFv-Fc constructs from existing DENV mAb library

b. Test expression and activity of new constructs in vitro

c. Send confirmed constructs to WRAIR for inclusion in AVVAD product

d. Identify, make, and test new NS1 mAbs

(D) Place of Performance: Contractors Facility

(E) Estimated Period of Performance: March 2022 – March 2027

5.0 CONTACT INFORMATION: No questions will be addressed. All information regarding Capabilities Statements or any other proprietary information relative to this RFI shall be submitted via email to joshua.r.dean2.civ@mail.mil no later than 11:00am EST on Thursday, 13 January 2022.