The Food and Drug Administration has awarded $31.8 million to ICF International to provide information technology and scientific support services to the National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR).

The contract has a term of approximately five years, including four option years, according to ICF.

The Fairfax, Va.-based ICF will provide the NCTR center in Jefferson, Ark., with computational science/bioinformatics support; development, enhancement, conversion, and maintenance of application systems; systems support; statistical support; customer support; and experiment support for specific toxicology studies, an ICF statement said.

"ICF, through its experience and expertise in health informatics, is pleased to continue this important work for FDA," said Mary Whitley, senior vice president for ICF International. "We are honored to support NCTR's goals of promoting and protecting public health and enhancing the quality of life for all Americans."

According to Whitley, ICF International provides toxicology informatics solutions, safety assessment, risk assessment, and related support that address the full spectrum of potentially hazardous agents, including chemicals, microbes, and radionuclides. ICF specializes in identifying and quantifying the effects of environmental pollutants, such as metals, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds, on human health and the environment. ICF's experience also extends to food additives, food contact substances, microbial contaminants in food, and pharmaceutical residues in food.

In addition, ICF provides in-depth analyses to help clients determine health-protective and cost-effective solutions, Whitley said.