Scientific research services in Colombia
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 Department of the Navy / NAVAL MEDICAL RESEARCH UNIT SOUTH is soliciting proposals for Scientific Research Services in Urabá, Antioquia, Colombia. This opportunity, designated as an 8(a) Sole Source (FAR 19.8), aims to contract research and development services for one year to support the study "Zika virus and other tropical pathogens in Latin America." Responses are due June 13, 2026.
Scope of Work
The contractor will provide research support services focusing on the collection and analysis of biological samples to identify and track vector-borne and rodent-borne diseases. Key activities include:
- Field Work: Obtaining ethical/regulatory approvals, coordinating surveillance, collecting a minimum of 120 whole blood and serum samples from subjects with acute febrile or exanthematous illnesses, gathering epidemiological data, and local sample packaging/shipping.
- Laboratory Activities: Performing on-site dengue rapid tests (at least 120 samples), other rapid tests (at least 50 samples), molecular tests (RT-qPCR) for various arboviruses (dengue, chikungunya, Mayaro, Oropouche, VEE, yellow fever) on at least 108 samples, Leptospira on at least 50 negative samples, and indirect immunofluorescence assay for spotted fever group rickettsiosis on at least 50 negative samples. Molecular tests (FilmArray) will be performed on at least 12 negative samples. All samples must be labeled and stored under cold-chain conditions.
- Data Management: Uploading de-identified demographic and laboratory data, providing weekly and monthly reports, and utilizing DoD SAFE (https://safe.apps.mil/) for data transfer to the Principal Investigator at NAMRU SOUTH.
Contract & Timeline
- Contract Opportunity Type: Solicitation
- Set-Aside: 8(a) Sole Source (FAR 19.8)
- Period of Performance: One-year base period, anticipated from May 4, 2026, to May 3, 2027.
- Place of Performance: Urabá region, Antioquia, Colombia.
- Response Date: June 13, 2026, 01:00 AM Z
- Published Date: May 30, 2026, 12:12 AM Z
Special Requirements
The contractor is responsible for the costs of supplies and materials for sample collection, transport, storage, and laboratory processing. NAMRU SOUTH may provide certain equipment (e.g., BioFire FilmArray 2.0, laptop) and testing panels/kits based on availability. All tasks must comply with the IRB-approved government research protocol, and contractor personnel shall not perform inherently governmental functions.