Maintaining an Embryonated Egg Supply for the Non-Seasonal Production of Pandemic Vaccine

The Department of Health and Human Services' Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response has issued a Special Notice soliciting a contract for maintaining a critical embryonated egg supply chain for pandemic influenza vaccine production. The notice specifically targets a domestic contractor capable of providing a year-round network of incubation facilities and hen flocks within the contiguous United States. Sanofi Pasteur, Inc. is currently identified as the only known domestic producer of egg-based influenza vaccines. The Special Notice outlines a requirement for a contractor to support pandemic vaccine manufacturing capabilities during potential public health emergencies. The opportunity is not set aside for any specific type of business and represents a strategic national preparedness initiative.

Contractors responding to this opportunity must demonstrate the ability to produce a minimum of ten million monovalent influenza vaccine doses per week during a declared public health emergency. The contract requires a comprehensive Avian Influenza Plan covering both high and low pathogenicity scenarios, including dynamic testing protocols for flocks and facilities to mitigate potential risks. Interested contractors have until December 10, 2024, at 4:00 PM ET to submit capability statements if they believe they can meet the requirements. The ultimate objective is to ensure a robust, domestic egg supply chain that can support rapid vaccine production, with the goal of delivering vaccines within three months of a pandemic declaration and achieving full population coverage of 660 million doses within six months. The government will publicly release the Justification and Approval document within 14 days after the contract is awarded, providing transparency into the procurement process.