CDC AFM case classification
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) intends to award a sole source firm fixed-price purchase order to The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia for expert neurologic consultation and evaluation services related to Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM) case classification. This action is justified under FAR 13.106-1(b) due to the unique capabilities of the proposed vendor. Responses from other interested parties are due by May 26, 2026, 12:00 PM (ET).
Scope of Work
The selected neurologist will provide expert pediatric neurologic consultation and evaluation for AFM cases. Key responsibilities include:
- Reviewing and classifying patients under investigation (PUIs) for AFM using the Ambra image cloud platform, determining if they meet case definitions ("confirmed," "probable," "suspect," or "not a case").
- Completing an MRI abstraction and classification worksheet for each reviewed report.
- Providing expert consultation on AFM surveillance and neurologic diagnoses to CDC and treating physicians.
- Participating in monthly AFM calls and presenting during at least one Clinician Outreach and Communication Activity (COCA) call to improve clinician awareness, detection, and reporting.
- Potentially participating in projects related to defining imaging characteristics of AFM cases and diagnostic categorization.
Contract & Timeline
- Contract Type: Firm Fixed-Price Purchase Order
- Estimated Value: $240,477.31
- Period of Performance: Base Year (05/29/2026 – 05/28/2027) with four Option Years.
- Response Due: May 26, 2026, 12:00 PM (ET)
- Published Date: May 22, 2026
- Place of Performance: Contractor's facility in Philadelphia, PA.
Set-Aside & Justification
This is a sole source procurement under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1), stating that only one source is reasonably available. The justification highlights the unique capabilities of the neurologist from The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, who possesses over 6 years of experience in AFM case classification at the CDC, including in-depth review of spinal and brain MRIs, and advanced training in neurological disorders. Market research confirmed no other institutions possess the same depth of experience for this specialized MRI review and continuity of AFM case classification.
Performance Standards & Requirements
- Review and classify PUIs within 7 business days of assignment (longer periods may be authorized during surges).
- Deliver completed case classifications via the AMBRA Cloud-based platform.
- Minimum 3 years of experience in evaluating AFM cases, including MRI review and classification.
- Compliance with HHS Information and Communication Technology (ICT) accessibility standards (Section 508).
- Adherence to security and privacy requirements, including data management, IT security, incident response, and records retention.
- All data, software, and supporting materials acquired or produced become the property of the U.S. Government.
- Contractor employees must complete a CDC non-disclosure agreement.
Contact Information
- Primary Contact: David Eccleston
- Email: upx5@cdc.gov
- Phone: 770-488-2994