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 Emory University for Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM) case classification and expert neurological consultation. This action is being pursued under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b) (SAP) due to Emory University's unique expertise. Responses from other interested parties will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. Responses are due by May 26, 2026, at 12:00 PM ET.
Scope of Work
The awarded contractor will provide expert consultation and classification of AFM cases for the CDC's Division of Viral Diseases (DVD). Key tasks include:
- Reviewing MRI images, patient summary forms, MRI reports, and neurology consult notes using the Ambra image cloud platform.
- Classifying patients under investigation (PUIs) for AFM as "confirmed," "probable," "suspect," or "not a case" based on CSTE-approved case definitions.
- Completing an MRI abstraction and classification worksheet for each reviewed report.
- Participating in Clinician Outreach and Communication Activity (COCA) Calls to enhance clinician awareness, detection, and reporting of AFM.
- Potentially engaging in projects related to defining specific imaging characteristics of confirmed AFM cases and providing diagnostic categorization.
Contract & Timeline
- Contract Type: Sole Source Firm Fixed-Price Purchase Order
- Intended Awardee: Emory University
- Estimated Value: $240,477.31
- Period of Performance: Base Year (May 29, 2026 – May 28, 2027) with four potential Option Years, extending through May 28, 2031.
- Set-Aside: None (Sole Source Intent)
- Response Due: May 26, 2026, 12:00 PM ET
- Published Date: May 22, 2026
- Place of Performance: Contractor's facility (Atlanta, GA)
Justification for Sole Source
The justification highlights the unique expertise and institutional memory of the neurologist at Emory University, who has been involved in AFM case classification and surveillance since 2018. This individual possesses extensive experience with in-depth MRI review for novel neurological illnesses, making them uniquely qualified for this specialized requirement.
Special Requirements
- Minimum of 3 years of experience evaluating AFM cases, including MRI image review and classification.
- Compliance with HHS Information and Communication Technology (ICT) accessibility standards (Section 508).
- Adherence to strict IT security, privacy, and data handling requirements.
- All data, software, and supporting materials acquired or produced become the property of the U.S. Government.
- Computer software developed must be open source, unless otherwise specified.