Genotyping Samples for Tracking Viral Variants   3

Background
The National Institutes of Health (NIH)/ National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB) intends to establish a multiple award Indefinite Delivery Indefinity Quantity (IDIQ) contract that can provide the services outlined in the Statement of Work (SOW) that represents the best value. The solicitation number is 75N92022R0118 and the solicitation is issued as a request for proposal (RFP).

Work Details
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the NIH Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics (RADx) Initiative was created to speed the development, commercialization, and implementation of technologies for COVID-19 testing. A core activity of RADx is to improve both the detection of SARS-CoV-2 and public health reporting of its presence in communities. While achieving that goal, an essential public health measure is to track both the virus’ presence and to understand which variants are active and/or emerging in the community.

The RADx Variant Task Force focuses on genotyping assays with a discreet set of markers that distinguish the variety of subvariants in circulation at a given time. Genotyping, as opposed to full sequencing of each sample, allows for timely reporting of variants and significant cost savings. Results from genotyping assays are then relayed to a publicly accessible, live-updated dashboard whose power is enhanced with the addition of quality genotyping results.

Period of Performance
The period of performance of this contract shall be from September 15, 2022 through September 14, 2027.

Place of Performance
The geographic location(s) where the contract will be performed are not explicitly provided in the solicitation.