Pre-Solicitation PATH-FERRET

Background and Need : The Influenza Division at CDC requires access to healthy ferrets that are serologically negative against all influenza virus strains. These animals are needed for i) the production of strain-specific immune sera for use as a diagnostic reagent and to monitor antigenic drift of circulating influenza viruses which is necessary to assist with influenza vaccine composition recommendations ii) the safety and efficacy testing of vaccine candidates against influenza viruses with the potential to cause a pandemic and iii) the evaluation of the virulence, transmissibility and antiviral resistance of emerging influenza viruses that pose a threat to public health. Pursuing these critical missions of the Influenza Division is dependent on a constant and reliable supply of influenza-free ferrets. Project Objective – The purpose of this contract is to secure a stable supply of healthy ferrets that are sero-negative against influenza A and B viruses so that the Influenza Division at CDC can provide accurate and reliable assessments of influenza surveillance, safety and efficacy of vaccine candidates and risk assessments of emerging influenza viruses that pose a threat to public health. Scope of Work – The contractor will provide the CDC with a monthly inventory of ferrets available for purchase. This inventory must include at least 50 healthy, neutered, male ferrets that are 3-6 months of age and are sero-negative against influenza A and B viruses. The contractor will provide up to 116 ferret pre-bleeds per month selected by the CDC based on the provided inventory list. Sera will be tested by the CDC to confirm sero-negativity. The contractor will deliver up to 116 ferrets in a single delivery each month based on the testing results and projected needs of the CDC. All ferrets will be transported in sealed, HEPA-filtered containers and in a climate controlled environment.