Cherokee Nation company working on $250M US Army contract

TULSA, Okla., Jan. 15, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cherokee Nation Assurance is supporting a massive research and development contract with the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID) to protect our warfighters and the homeland from biological threats. CNA is one of seven companies competing for task orders with potential revenue of $250 million.

"Our company has extensive experience performing on projects with similar size, scope and complexity, which has positioned us as a strong competitor on this contract," said Steven Bilby, president of Cherokee Nation's diversified businesses. "This award truly represents our company's capability to perform on one of the largest and most critical life sciences contracts in the market."

The five-year, indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract supports USAMRIID's mission by identifying and researching biological agents; testing and evaluating medical countermeasures; maintaining safety, security, and surety standards; and training and educating military forces.

"This work is vital to the public health and safety of our nation," said Macon Kilrain, operations general manager for CNA. "New threats develop every day, and it is critical that we are proactive in developing lifesaving drugs, devices and therapeutics to care for and cure those affected. We are proud to expand our relationship with the laboratories that support the missions of the U.S. Army Medical Command."

USAMRIID at Fort Detrick, Maryland, plays a critical role within the Army Medical Command and the Department of Defense and is one of the few federally operated research facilities in the continental United States with Biosafety Level 3 and Level 4 containment laboratories. The Institute provides world-class expertise in the generation of candidate vaccines and therapeutics, fully accredited animal research facilities, robust training and education programs, and specialized capabilities in conducting FDA-regulated clinical and animal model studies.

CNA specializes in delivering research, business and technology solutions that support the mission of the Department of Defense in providing military personnel the care they need, as well as, vital support to public health initiatives in the United States. Wholly owned by Cherokee Nation, CNA is part of the Cherokee Nation Businesses family of companies. For more information, please visit www.cherokee-cna.com.

About Cherokee Nation Businesses

Cherokee Nation Businesses is the tribally owned holding company of the Cherokee Nation, the largest Indian Nation in the United States. The Cherokee Nation and its businesses employ 9,000 people. CNB owns companies in the gaming, hospitality, information technology, personnel services, distribution, manufacturing, telecommunications, environmental services and security and defense industries. For more information, please visit www.cherokeenationbusinesses.com.

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