laboratory reagents

The laboratory of the Virology Department of the U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit SOUTH (NAMRU SOUTH) is seeking to purchase laboratory reagents and supplies to be used for the molecular diagnosis of influenza virus, adenovirus, Metapneumovirus, Enterovirus, Rhinovirus, Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Mayaro, dengue, Chikungunya, Zika, and SARS-CoV-2 virus. Specifically, this requirement involves PCR enzymes for reverse transcription, real-time platforms and Illumina that are used in the detection of human influenza viruses (Influenza A-matrix gene and B) and its subtypes (H3, H1pdm/SwH1N1, H1 seasonal and H5) (SOP N6-VIR-MB RV 014); sequencing full genome of influenza A using random amplification and pathogen discovery protocols in Illumina platform; detecting genetic material of Adenovirus in nasal and pharyngeal swab specimens (SOP N6-VIR-MB RV 007); detecting the genetic material of Metapneumovirus (MPV), Enterovirus, Rhinovirus and Respiratory Syncytial Virus in nasal and pharyngeal swabs specimens using a reverse transcription (N6-VIR-MB RV 006); and, amplification of the whole genome of the influenza A virus based on the amplification of full-length gene segments for SNP genotyping, gene expression analysis and genotype (N6-VIR-MB RV 001) and pathogen discovery in respiratory and serum samples collected in our surveillance protocols. All these NAMRU SOUTH assays have been validated using the TaqMan 7500/7500 Fast Real time PCR system and MiSeq and MiniSeq Illumina platform and therefore, compatibility of the consumables is a requirement. The RT-PCR assays have been developed independently for each SOP and involve much time and effort by laboratory technicians, and supervisors for final approval. Reagents used must remain the same as the ones indicated in the SOPs, otherwise the design and validation of these processes would have to start from scratch, which would delay all processing and the timely diagnosis of public health relevant pathogens. NAMRU SOUTH will require items purchased to be shipped following the reagent specific cold-chain requirements (dry ice, refrigeration or room temperature) in two installments. First shipment should be dispatched as soon as award is signed, and second shipment should be dispatched five months afterwards. See attached list of items. Shelf life of materials is very important. Expiration date of supplies should be the longest possible and at least 12 months from the date of each shipment. Prior to each shipment, the contractor should approach the final user and inquire as to whether the expiration date of materials is acceptable. Shipments need to arrive in Jorge Chavez International Airport, Callao, Peru.