Surveillance of severe influenza-associated encephalopathy and related complications in US children
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), under the Department of Health and Human Services, has issued a Presolicitation (Notice of Intent) for Surveillance of severe influenza-associated encephalopathy (IAE) and related complications in US children. This effort aims to establish active, ICU-based surveillance and comprehensive data collection for IAE, a new requirement for the CDC. While not a request for competitive quotations, capability statements received will be considered to determine the necessity of a competitive procurement.
Scope of Work
The selected contractor will utilize an established multicenter pediatric surveillance network to identify and recruit critically ill pediatric patients hospitalized with IAE. Key tasks include:
- Conducting active case findings within Pediatric Intensive Care Units (PICUs).
- Abstracting electronic health record (EHR) data.
- Collecting and testing clinical specimens.
- Obtaining and uploading primary neuroimaging.
- Coordinating neuroradiology review.
- Performing longitudinal neurologic follow-up.
Specific goals involve performing surveillance using standardized case definitions, collecting clinical information to assess risk factors, disease course, and the impact of interventions (vaccination, antivirals), and assessing influenza vaccination status. Optional tasks, subject to funding, include evaluating neuroradiologic reports, testing clinical specimens for pathogens/markers, evaluating genetic/immunologic risk factors, assessing neurodevelopmental/neurocognitive sequelae, and expanding surveillance to other severe complications of influenza or viral respiratory diseases.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Presolicitation (Notice of Intent)
- Duration: A base period from August 1, 2026, to July 31, 2027, with four additional option periods extending through July 31, 2031.
- Set-Aside: None specified.
- Response Due: July 2, 2026, by 2:00 PM ET.
- Published: June 18, 2026.
- Place of Performance: Entirely off-site, at the Contractor’s facility and associated healthcare or research facilities.
Special Requirements
- Minimum Vendor Qualifications: Demonstrated experience as a clinical coordinating center (CCC), data coordinating center (DCC), or similar role for a prospective, multicenter, public health surveillance network involving pediatric hospitals.
- Information Security and Privacy: Strict adherence to HHS/CDC policies for safeguarding information, including Personally Identifiable Information (PII), with a Moderate overall impact level. All contractor staff must complete mandatory annual CDC Information Security Awareness, Privacy, and Records Management training.
- Reporting: Compliance with CPARS reporting and adherence to a Performance-Based Matrix.
- Accessibility: Compliance with Section 508 accessibility standards for all Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
Additional Notes
This notice is for informational purposes only and is not a request for competitive quotations. However, all capability statements, proposals, or responses received within 10 days of the issuance of this notice will be considered by the government to determine if a competitive procurement is warranted. Responses should be emailed to the contract specialist at xvv9@cdc.gov.