Operation and Maintenance of the Chimpanzee Care Center (CCC)

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is seeking a contractor to operate and maintain the Chimpanzee Care Center (CCC) at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Bastrop, TX. The contractor will provide lifetime care for a specific colony of approximately 30 to 40 NIH-owned chimpanzees retired from research. The services required include specialized veterinary care, husbandry, behavioral management, and complete facility maintenance. The contractor must demonstrate capabilities in medical management of chimpanzees with various illnesses associated with aging, including cardiovascular and renal diseases, diabetes, hepatitis, pain management associated with arthritis and uterine masses, and management of obesity. The contractor must also provide environmental enrichment, cognitive stimulation, and socialization for the chimpanzees. Some key requirements for the contractor include: • Providing a Chimpanzee Quality of Life Plan • Maintaining a flexible work schedule to ensure adequate coverage during inclement weather or periods of closure • Ensuring that all personnel are properly trained in safe practices and informed of potential hazards • Maintaining a Safety and Health Training Plan • Providing monthly and annual progress reports to the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) and Contracting Officer (CO) • Cooperating with the shipping effort when the NIH directs the contractor to relocate chimpanzees from the CCC to the Federal Sanctuary