SBRL Lab Support - Market Research

The Bacterial Special Pathogens Branch (BSPB) is seeking a contract to provide laboratory services for the development, enhancement, and maintenance of the MicrobeNet project within the Division of High Consequence Pathogens and Pathology (DHCPP). The purpose of the contract is to support the laboratory activities related to the MicrobeNet project, which is an interactive online reference tool used to identify pathogens. The contract will involve providing scientific support and services for laboratory procedures such as isolation, cultivation, identification, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing of bacterial and zoonotic pathogens. The contract will also include tasks such as DNA sequencing, protein mass spectrometry, coordination of data collection and uploading, and assistance with microbiology image acquisitions. The period of performance for this contract is from September 1, 2022, to August 31, 2023.

The MicrobeNet system has been developed by BSPB to aid public health laboratory scientists in identifying pathogens using wet laboratory data entered by users. The system currently supports over 2,400 pathogens and serves more than 1,000 customers, including state public health laboratories. However, BSPB lacks the resources and personnel to maintain the system on their own. Therefore, they have identified a contract as the best option to continue operating the project.

The scope of work for this contract includes providing scientific support and services for laboratory activities related to the MicrobeNet project. This includes performing laboratory procedures for pathogen identification and characterization, collecting data for species identification and confirmation, coordinating data collection and uploading into MicrobeNet, assisting with microbiology image acquisitions, and supporting communications and system needs related to MicrobeNet. The contract also includes optional tasks such as conference travel and meeting support.

The deliverables/reporting schedule for this contract includes quarterly reports on the number of users and pathogens detected in MicrobeNet, annual reports summarizing the increase in users and pathogens detected, and trip reports for optional task travel. The technical point of contact for this contract is Kimberly Ayers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The contract also requires compliance with Section 508 accessibility standards for electronic and information technology supplies and services.