Assessing Biological Variability in Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations Measured by the Broth Microdilution Method

The Food and Drug Administration seeks proposals to assess biological variability in minimum inhibitory concentration measurements when using the broth microdilution method. The contractor will perform an interlaboratory study testing approximately 90 bacterial isolates in triplicate at three sites against a range of antimicrobial agents. The objectives are to identify specific organism-drug combinations that exhibit variability when tested according to the broth microdilution method standard. Proposals are due by July 19, 2023. The evaluation criteria will consider the offeror's technical approach, management plan, and past performance.

This is a total small business set-aside designated under NAICS code 541715. The contractor will conduct testing at three sites over a one base year period and three optional one-year extensions. The place of performance will be at the contractor's facilities. Key deliverables include status reports, a project plan, raw data, and a final analysis report identifying reproducibility and variability in organism-drug combinations.