Chemistry Center for Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria (CC4CARB)

The aim of this solicitation is to create an innovative chemistry center to synthesize and deliver rationally designed compound libraries to the scientific community for use in antibacterial drug discovery programs, particularly those targeting Gram-negative bacteria. This center will fit within the broader aims put forth in the National Action Plan for Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria (CARB) by synthesizing and delivering new compounds that enable an understanding of SAR for optimal activity against Gram-negative bacterial pathogens and that provide the basis for a robust antibacterial development pipeline.  Critical to the success of this center are three core requirements: 1) Chemical Library Design - a well-organized and transparent process for solicitation, review and approval of design proposals from external scientists, 2) Compound Synthesis - a robust capability for high-quality and timely synthesis of diverse chemotypes, and 3) Compound Management- a seamless mechanism for managing the storage and distribution of the resulting compound libraries to the scientific community.  In addition, a single Principal Investigator (PI), who ideally is skilled in synthetic chemistry, shall be accountable for coordinating all contract activities, along with comprehensive project management support, and for communicating progress and recommending approval decisions to the NIAID Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR).