Population Genetics Analysis Program

Added: Mar 12, 2009 3:11 pm The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) supports research related to the basic understanding of microbiology and immunology leading to the development of vaccines, therapeutics, and medical diagnostics for the prevention, treatment, and diagnosis of infectious and immune-mediated diseases. The NIAID, Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Transplantation, has a requirement for research focused on human genetic variations that correlate with inter-individual differences in the immune response to infection by, or vaccination against, one or more emerging or re-emerging infectious human pathogens.



This Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) solicits proposals for research that will replicate previously identified human genotype-phenotype associations. Proposed work will focus on the human immune response to infection by, or vaccination against, one or more of the emerging or re-emerging Group I, II, or III infectious agents listed at http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/topics/emerging/list.htm. Proposals will describe the results of prior work that has already identified such genotype-phenotype associations, and describe an experimental approach to replicate those results in an independent population(s). Proposals will also include studies to elucidate the functional relevance of the validated genetic variants that correlate with immune outcome.



The initial discovery of a genetic association with a particular phenotype is generally not sufficient to establish a meaningful genotype-phenotype correlation. Replication studies in populations similar to those used in the discovery phase are needed to minimize false calls and confirm the initial findings, even when strong putative associations were initially found. In addition, replication studies performed with populations that differ from the initial study may provide important information on the generality of the association and might also assist in narrowing a large genetic interval of interest. Additional genotyping is often required to narrow a sequence interval and identify the specific genetic element responsible for the effect on phenotype. Biological studies may provide an alternate or complementary approach to defining the specific locus involved and confirming association, and may also help determine the mechanism of action. Rigorous statistical thresholds and methods of analysis are essential components of the experimental design in these studies, as are sufficient sample sizes and capacities for data collection, management, analysis, and data storage.



This program will help establish convincing associations between genotypes and susceptibility to infectious disease or responsiveness to vaccination. This information will help to identify individual risk factors, will expand our understanding of immune mechanisms applicable to a broad range of human diseases, and will help define biomarkers of risk and immunity that might lead to novel diagnostic tests of infection or vaccine response.



Proposals will be evaluated against the following criteria: scientific and technical merit; scientific and technical personnel; organizational capability and experience; and facilities, equipment, and other resources.



It is anticipated that multiple cost reimbursement, completion type contracts will be awarded for a five-year period of performance beginning on or about June 1, 2010.



The NIAID estimates that the average annual total cost (direct and indirect costs combined) is $8 million available for the entire project. However, it is anticipated that the total cost for the award(s) may vary depending upon the scope of the project and the technical objectives of the award(s). The length of time for which funding is requested should be consistent with the nature and complexity of the proposed research. In no event shall the period of performance proposed by an offeror exceed five years.



All responsible sources may submit a proposal which shall be considered by the Agency. This BAA will be available electronically on/about March 30, 2009, and may be accessed through FedBizOpps http://www.fedbizopps.gov/. This notice does not commit the Government to award a contract. No collect calls will be accepted. No facsimile transmissions will be accepted.