B -- LABORATORY SUPPORT SERVICES AT THE KENYAN MEDICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE

Notice Date

June 20, 2001

Contracting Office

Department of Health and Human Services, Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Procurement and Grants Office (Atlanta), 2920 Brandywine Road, Room 3000, Atlanta, GA, 30341-4146

ZIP Code

30341-4146

Solicitation Number

2001Q00092

Response Due

July 18, 2001

Point of Contact

Dale Defilipps, Contract Specialist, Phone (770)488-2637, Fax (770)488-2670, Email DDefilipps@CDC.GOV -- Dale Defilipps, Contract Specialist, Phone (770)488-2637, Fax (770)488-2670, Email DDefilipps@CDC.GOV

Description

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention contemplates awarding a Sole Source purchase order to Dr. Lee Dunster of the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) for continuing virology support services for the study of endemic viral diseases, and on-site outbreak assistance to investigate epidemics of potential viral origin in Kenya and surrounding countries of sub-Saharan Africa. The anticipated performance period is 12 months. The contractor shall be required to provide a continuation of in country technical assistance for development, implementation, coordination and publication of studies and activities designed to: (a) Maintain diagnostic capabilities at the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) to safely and accurately diagnose human infections due to viral diseases, with special reference to arboviruses and viral hemorrhagic fevers (consistent with the terms of reference for the laboratories status as a World Health Organization Collaborating Center); (b) Obtain appropriate clinical specimens from suspect outbreaks of viral infection in humans, and either conduct diagnostic testing on site in KEMRI laboratories, or package specimens consistent with IATA shipping regulations for transport to other collaborating laboratories for more definitive testing; (c) Serve as a consulting resource or principal investigator for complex studies of viral diseases in humans and animals in Kenya, in collaboration with scientists from CDC and elsewhere; (d) Provide laboratory support for complex evaluations of control strategies and interventions to reduce the risk of infection from viral diseases in Kenya and surrounding countries; (e) Maintain surveillance for yellow fever and other viruses in Kenya/surrounding countries; (f) Manage complex lab analyses and research for arbovirus and other VHFs in Kenya; and (g) Serve as an in-resident advisor for human viral diseases to KEMRI staff, the Ministry of Health, CDC, and the WHO. More specifically, the contractor shall be required to: (1) Report any deficiencies and/or recommendations affecting laboratory-testing capacity at KEMRI to the Division of Viral and Rickettsial Diseases (DVRD/NCID/CDC); (2) Maintain a working stock of supplies and equipment to obtain clinical specimens from suspect outbreaks of viral infection in humans; (3) Maintain working stock of supplies and equipment necessary to conduct complex diagnostic testing on site in KEMRI laboratories; (4) Maintain working stock of supplies and equipment for shipping suspect samples in accordance with IATA shipping regulations to other diagnostic laboratories; (5) Maintain contact and forward timely reports of disease outbreak activities; and (6) Evaluate and submit recommendations for improving control strategies and interventions to reduce the risk of infection from viral diseases in Kenya and surrounding countries to DVRD/NCID/CDC. The contractor shall provide the completed study protocols and a final summary report to the CDC. The successful contractor must have extensive experience in maintaining an active Surveillance program for yellow fever and other viruses, and have expertise in actively managing complex laboratory analyses and research for arbovirus and other viral hemorrhagic fever (VHF). The successful contractor must be able to maintain research continuity with established surveillance programs in Kenya and the surrounding countries of sub-Saharan Africa, and serve as an on-site principal investigator in the event of an arboviral or hemorrhagic fever virus outbreak. Dr. Lee Dunster is the only known source that can meet all of the above requirements, hence a Sole Source procurement is contemplated. All responsible sources may submit a response which will be considered by the Agency.=20

Web Link

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Record

Loren Data Corp. 20010622/BSOL004.HTM (D-171 SN50P525)