Background
State and local PHLs are the foundation of the US influenza surveillance system. PHLs receive and test specimens, reporting this information to the CDC. This information is included in national surveillance data to describe which viruses are circulating and at what prevalence. Furthermore, data from PHLs and the viruses submitted to CDC for further antigenic and genetic characterization are compiled and shared with the international community to help determine vaccine composition for future seasons. This data and these viruses also enable the CDC to detect and monitor variant viruses and antiviral resistance in influenza virus.
Influenza virus genome sequencing and genetic characterization are central to understanding the evolution of emerging lineages which in turn are critical for prevention and response (e.g., vaccine selection and antiviral therapy). APHL and CDC have supported three (3) National Influenza Reference Centers (NIRCs) for a wide range of analysis (e.g., genomic sequencing, virus isolation and antiviral analysis.) Influenza virus genomics has enabled the detection of evolutionary mechanisms central to viral fitness and immune escape, antiviral resistance mutations, reassortment and other genomic changes within a single data set. High throughput genomics is facilitating timely intervention strategies and improved data availability for vaccine strain selection.
The ISCs serve as a valuable source of timely genomic surveillance data in US locations that are geographically diverse and/or serve as important transit hubs. Additionally, they increase the overall national capacity for processing specimens for vaccine strain selection and detecting antiviral resistant viruses.
Eligibility
Eligible laboratories include all US public health laboratories with the following capabilities, resources and facilities in place.
The eligible applicant must be able to contract directly with APHL or have an existing relationship with a third-party organization that can contract directly with APHL. Acceptance of the award means agreement with the compensation structure and amounts agreed upon with the awardee and APHL.
Recipients must be legally able to contract within the United States and not be disbarred or prohibited from contracting with businesses or the federal government.
Anticipated RFP Schedule
Contact for Questions and Submissions
Please submit any questions via email to
melissa.warren@aphl.org and cc:
infectious.diseases@aphl.org.
Response Submittal
Confirmation of Intent to Respond
APHL requires that prospective applicants submit a brief email statement indicating an intent to submit a proposal. APHL must receive this email by no later than
5:00 pm EST, on the due date. To allow for appropriate review process planning,
a letter of intent
is
required for consideration.
Final Response
APHL must receive complete responses by
5:00 pm EST, on the due date. Please see Proposal-Required Submissions section for items that must be included in the completed proposal.
APHL will send an email acknowledging the receipt of your application; if you do not receive an acknowledgement within 2 business days, please email the RFP point of contact above to confirm receipt.
RFP Materials
The Official RFP Document will provide detailed information. APHL will post all RFP-related documents, current schedule information, and answers to submitted questions and clarifications on APHL's procurement site, www.aphl.org/rfp.
Questions and Answers
Can a laboratory apply to be both a National Influenza Reference Center and an Influenza Sequencing Center?
A:Public health laboratories may apply to both RFPs, however will only be awarded one or the other. NIRC activities are anticipated to include sequencing additional specimens from their jurisdiction, similar in scope to the ISCs.
Is this workflow expected to be CLIA validated?
A:No, this is not a CLIA validated protocol.
We are a public health department, but our sequencing work is done by an academic partner. Are we eligible?
A:Yes, you would be eligible to apply for this opportunity. Please be aware the per specimen cost outlined in the RFP would still apply and there would be no additional funds available for overhead or any administrative expenses associated with a subcontract.
How will the progress of the current ISCs be factored in the application of the next ISC cycle?
A:Current ISCs could use their progress as demonstration of the necessary skills and capacity. The detailed scorecard is available on pages 13-14 of the RFP document that describes how points are assigned and the criteria for evaluation.
What Illumina instruments can we use?
A:MiSeqs are currently being used. There are a few additional instruments that are being evaluated, including the NextSeq, but this project is currently focusing on utilizing MiSeqs.
Are we required to use the QIAxcel Advanced System as an ISC, or would using a Tapestation 4200 also be acceptable?
A:The Tapestation 4200 would be acceptable if it can resolve fragments between 200bp and 2.5kb.
Please clarify if the laboratory is responsible for procuring and obtaining the licenses for Clarity LIMS as an ISC, or if this is provided by CDC; or does CDC only provide Clarity LIMS licenses for the NIRCs?
A:Yes, APHL would provide access to Clarity LIMS for the ISCs through our enterprise account licenses.