Specifications.doc

Specifications Specific Pathogen Free Ferrets for the Evaluation of Pandemic Influenza Viruses Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract

1) BACKGROUND AND INTRODUCTION

The Emerging Respiratory Viruses Section (ERVS) of the Laboratory of Infectious Diseases is evaluating experimental pandemic influenza vaccine candidates and studying transmissibility of influenza viruses in animal models. Ferrets are exquisitely susceptible to infection with human influenza viruses and are widely believed to be the ideal small animal model for influenza research.

The ferrets provided are from breeding colonies that are influenza-free. It is for these reasons that a reliable source of specific pathogen free ferrets is essential to the mission of the ERVS. An IDIQ contract funded on a Task Order basis will streamline the ordering process and allow studies to commence in a timely fashion.

2) Purpose and Objectives The purpose of this acquisition is to establish an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract for the procurement of specific pathogen free ferrets for biomedical research. The nature and variety of influenza studies conducted by the ERVS involves ferrets of varying quantities, ages, and gender. The delivery date of the animals must be flexible due to the time needed for sera screening to verify animals are free of influenza as well as preparation of animal facility space.

The period of performance shall be five years from the date of award. A purchase of the minimum from the contractor during the total period of performance. The Government may purchase a maximum of 1000 ferrets during the period of performance.

3) REQUIREMENTS

The contractor shall provide specific pathogen free ferrets in the required age ranges and gender for biomedical research. Contractor shall provide ferret serum samples from a pool of potential ferrets in the required age range and gender to NIH ERVS laboratories to screen for specific influenza strains. Serum shall be sent overnight on dry ice. Ferrets shall be vaccinated for canine distemper and rabies, spayed or castrated, and descented. Ferrets shall be individually identified with ear tags. Contractor shall transport ferrets to approved NIH animal facilities in filtered shipping crates in less than one day's travel time. The offeror must be able to harvest serology samples and ship samples to NIAID project office for testing.

4) DELIVERABLES

The contractor shall deliver in accordance with each individual task order.