The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) Chemical Biological Defense Division is seeking proposals to develop, integrate and implement a standardized Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)-capable, user-friendly, inventory tracking system that ensures the safety of Select Agents within select public health laboratory facilities nationwide.
The goal of the Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) is to ensure biological Select Agents and toxins have appropriate security and personnel assurance practices to protect against theft, misuse or diversion of materials.
There is estimated to be 384 registered entities in the Federal Select Agent program with nearly 11,000 individuals registered to participate in the program. The majority of registered entities are with Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (320 entities) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (53 entities).
Laboratory types that are regulated with the Select Agent program include:
- Government (Federal) 16%
- Government (NonFederal) 34%,
- Academic 29%
- Commercial 15%
- Private 6%
DHS states that many Select Agent laboratories are unable to afford the costs of RFID readers, databases, RFID tags as well as personnel costs for maintaining Select Agent security requirements and metrics. These laboratories would benefit from having cost-effective RFID sample and inventory control systems in place.
Further details are available via Solicitation Number: HSHQDC14RB0009OBAA14003CALL8. The white paper submission deadline is April 10, 2015. Notifications of invitation to submit full proposals will be made May 6, 2015.
