Research support services for acute febrile and respiratory surveillance studies, in support of the Naval Medical Research Unit-Six (NAMRU-6) located in Lima, Peru.

The Naval Medical Logistics Command (NMLC) intends to award a sole source contract to UPCH  for acute febrile and respiratory surveillance studies, in support of the Naval Medical Research Unit-Six (NAMRU-6) located in Lima, Peru. This requirement is a continuation of the studies conducted under contracts N6264517C4027 and N6264518C4012 for the same services. The Government’s requirement is for research support from a capable institution with a large trajectory of research in infectious and tropical diseases, mainly in viruses, for continuation of collaborative research efforts executed in Peru.  Research efforts will continue to execute the studies: “Characterization of the Infectious Causes of Acute Febrile Illness in Latin America” and “Surveillance for Emerging Viral Respiratory Pathogens in South America”. The studies are aimed at determining the etiology of febrile and respiratory disease syndromes in a number of countries throughout Latin America (Peru, Colombia, Honduras and Paraguay) including ten cities in Peru (Lima, Piura, Trujillo, Cusco, Callao, Bagua, Chanchamayo, Tumbes, Yurimaguas, Iquitos and Puerto Maldonado).

This effort requires carrying out coordination and obtainment of study authorization from local health facilities to perform the studies; recruitment and training of local health personnel to perform the studies; screening study participants; performing the informed consent process as described in the protocol; collecting study approved information and biological samples (oropharyngeal swabs, total blood and serum); labeling and storage of samples in adequate cold-chain conditions to preserve viruses; maintenance of all forms in accordance with protocols; preparation and shipment of biological samples in adequate cold-chain conditions; and annual study wrap-up (delivery of:  all samples collected, all consent/assent documents, all epidemiological forms, and reporting final laboratory results provided by NAMRU-6 to local health authorities). Activities shall be carried out with the utmost adherence to all ethical and quality standards in order to minimize risk of performance slips and comply with appropriation of funds and expectations of the sponsor. The period of performance is for 60 months, if all options periods are exercised, to include a 12-month base period and four 12-month option periods.

If capable sources are not identified through this notice, NMLC intends to award a sole source contract under the authority of FAR 6.302-1 (one source) to Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia (UPCH) located in Peru for the performance of this requirement. 

UPCH is the only source able to meet NAMRU-6 research needs for both Peru and the greater Latina American region. UPCH has a large trajectory of research in infectious and tropical diseases, mainly in viruses. This institution is the only one with the required local approvals in place, the appropriate financial, human and technical resources, experience and organizational controls needed to accomplish the studies’ goals.

This notice is not a request for competitive proposals, and no solicitation document exists for the requirement.

Sources interested in responding to this notice are required to submit a capability statement that includes management and technical data, as well as cost information, in sufficient detail and with convincing evidence that clearly demonstrates the capability to perform the required work. Capability statements shall not exceed one (8.5 x 11 inch) page using a font size no smaller than 10-point. All capability statements received by the due date of this notice will be considered by the Government. A request for documentation or additional information will not be considered as an affirmative response. A determination by the Government not to compete based on responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement or to proceed with a sole source contract.

Capability statements are due by 5:00PM Eastern Time, 07 May 2020. Capability statements shall be submitted by e-mail ONLY as a Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF attachment to the following address: Jaclyn.p.svincek.civ@mail.mil