Vector-borne Disease Agent Surveillance Research & Development in External Proficiency Testing

Summary (Newest Update)

Background The Defense Health Agency is issuing this contract to support the Pacific Region Force Health Protection by conducting Vector-borne Disease Agent Surveillance Research and Development in External Proficiency Testing. The mission is to enhance reliable diagnostic capabilities for detecting pathogens in arthropods, which pose significant threats to U.S. military forces, especially in deployed environments. This initiative aims to develop safe and validated external proficiency testing procedures that utilize non-infectious agents to minimize risk while ensuring the accuracy and reliability of diagnostic testing. Work Details The contractor shall perform the following tasks: 1. Develop a Written Manual/Protocol for Safe External Proficiency Testing. 2. Validate the Proficiency Testing Protocol. 3. Demonstrate Proficiency Test Performance Characteristics. 4. Provide Analysis of Field-Expedient Capability. The work is limited to research, development, validation, and documentation of safe external proficiency testing procedures as described in the objectives. All work shall be conducted exclusively at the contractor’s laboratory facilities, with limited virus-free mosquito samples provided for confirmation testing. Period of Performance The geographic location(s) the contract will be performed (if provided) Place of Performance All services shall be performed at the contractor’s facility. Bidder Requirements The contractor must develop and maintain an effective Quality Control Plan (QCP) to ensure compliance with the performance work statement (PWS). The contractor's QCP must include procedures for identifying, preventing, and ensuring nonrecurrence of defective services. Additionally, key personnel qualifications and any necessary security clearances or professional certifications are implied. Incumbent Analysis (see Incumbents section for more detail) This opportunity appears to have a confirmed incumbent and/or closely related prior contract, with Chenega Professional & Technical Services identified on HT942525CE051 ($11,173,412, 10/01/25–07/31/26) providing scientific and technical research support in continuation of required activities for USAMRIID. The current PWS similarly focuses on vector-borne disease agent surveillance research and development, including developing and validating external proficiency testing procedures and documenting performance characteristics. The overlap in infectious disease research support and the continuity of laboratory-based R&D activities suggest the prior work may be a direct continuation of the same technical mission area.