The Laboratory Response Network (LRN), established by the Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is seeking proficiency testing services in support of the LRN’s mission to maintain an integrated national and international network of laboratories that can respond to acts of biological or chemical terrorism and other public health emergencies.
In order to ensure preparedness and competency with LRN procedures, the CDC Laboratory Preparedness and Response Branch (LPRB) directs proficiency challenges to be administered one to four times a year to as many as 200 LRN member laboratories. The tests are designed to simulate real-world scenarios involving potential bioterrorism agents. The process requires the preparation, packaging, and distribution of prepared biological samples in a variety of sample matrices.
The supporting vendor would be required to produce spiked samples of designated environmental or clinical matrices with agents of bioterrorism including bacteria, viruses, and toxins. Each challenge panel contains up to three agents and no more than five samples. Production of as many as 200 panels may be required for each proficiency challenge.
LRN assays are additionally undergoing a rigorous validation process. The vendor will be required to create large numbers of clinical samples (positive and negative) to support this project.
Interested parties may submit capability statements no later than December 11, 2012. Further details are available under Solicitation Number: 2013-54091.
