The Defense Threat Reduction Agency is seeking is to identify sources capable of performing a baseline analysis of biosurveillance systems, capabilities, and gaps in South Africa, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda.
The analysis and follow on report will inform the implementation phase of the Cooperative Biological Engagement Program (CBEP) in Eastern and Southern Africa ) to secure and consolidate select agents and strengthen Africa’s ability to detect, diagnose, survey, and report emerging and re-emerging diseases of international security concern.
Tasks under the required baseline analysis may include:
- Environmental scan of the national/ministerial and regional human and animal health levels to baseline current capabilities
- Survey, detect, diagnose, and report biological terrorism and outbreaks of pathogens and diseases of security concern
- Conduct epidemiological investigation, laboratory diagnostics, and international reporting of diseases of security concern
- Link disease surveillance and reporting systems to national, regional, and global outbreak response systems, including multi-sector engagement
- Implement systems for managing and securing samples and collections of pathogens of security concern that are consistent with internationally recognized performance standards
- Provide tools for enhanced biological security and safety measures throughout the public and animal health system, which include: sample collection, detection and diagnostics, sample transport, and destruction and/or storage of materials
- Train medical personnel, scientists, veterinarians to quickly and accurately detect, diagnose, and report biological outbreaks of pathogens and disease of security concern
- Equip medical personnel, veterinarians, and first responders with personal protection equipment.
- Equip and train field works on the use of rapid detection kits
- Identify applicable stakeholders, legal frameworks, and budgets
DTRA invites sources to respond to this RFI and notes that any contractor who may perform the initial assessments would not be excluded from any follow on activities as a result of the baseline analysis.
Potential contractors are requested to assess whether the baseline assessment can be accomplished within six to nine months, or provide a realistic alternative time frame for completion.
Further details are available via Solicitation Number: J3CTB_Africa. The response deadline is February 27, 2015.
