Veterinary Diagnostic Clinics and Laboratories

BACKGROUND Antimicrobial resistance is considered one of the most serious global health threats to both animals and humans at this time. The One Health concept recognizes that the health of humans and animals is irrevocably linked and closely connected to the environment. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a multi-faceted issue that requires a One Health approach, as everyone has a shared responsibility in limiting its impact. In 2015, the President of the United States released a National Action Plan for Combatting Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria (CARB). This National Action Plan calls for collaborative action by the U.S. Government to strengthen our resources to address this issue. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has taken steps to respond to this need by developing a concurrent Action Plan, aligned with the CARB Plan, which identifies goals and objectives for addressing antibiotic resistance and judicious use of antimicrobial agents in agriculture. Subsequently, APHIS-Veterinary Services (APHIS-VS) outlined a series of longitudinal, cross-sectional, and targeted studies designed to provide information on the initiatives found in the USDA's plan. This performance work statement described, on the attached sources sought, will be used to establish an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity Contract (IDIQ) with program designated APHIS-approved laboratories participating in these studies in order to meet VS initiatives.