Research and Development of the FDA ARGOS System
ID: FDA-SSN-75F40125Q00090Type: Sources Sought
Overview

Buyer

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OFFOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATIONFDA OFFICE OF ACQ GRANT SVCSBeltsville, MD, 20705, USA

NAICS

Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology) (541714)

PSC

GENERAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY R&D SERVICES; GENERAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY; APPLIED RESEARCH (AJ12)

Original Source

https://sam.gov/opp/0d9fa37cad954386921417888d2a7237/view
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Health and Human Services, specifically the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is seeking qualified vendors for the research and development of the FDA ARGOS System, as outlined in a Sources Sought Notice. The primary objective is to enhance the FDA ARGOS database and develop bioinformatics and artificial intelligence tools to analyze genetic data, thereby improving public health preparedness and regulatory processes related to medical countermeasures against infectious diseases. This initiative is crucial for advancing diagnostic capabilities through Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technology, which can identify microbial pathogens efficiently and accurately. Interested parties must submit their responses, including a Vendor Feedback Form, to Nicholas Bisher and Kimberly Pennix by May 2, 2025, at 2:00 PM EST, as no solicitation is currently available.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Kimberly Pennix
    kimberly.pennix@fda.hhs.gov
    Nicholas Bisher
    Nicholas.Bisher@fda.hhs.gov
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    Attachment A-STATEMENT OF OBJECTIVES for IDIQ.pdf
    The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) seeks to enhance the FDA ARGOS system, which serves as a quality-controlled database supporting research and regulatory decisions concerning medical countermeasures against CBRN threats and infectious diseases. The FDA collaborates with the Department of Defense, University of Maryland, and NCBI to develop bioinformatics and AI tools for analyzing genetic data, aiming to bridge regulatory knowledge gaps and improve public health preparedness. The contract outlines several tasks focused on developing tools for next-generation sequencing (NGS) datasets, enhancing the ARGOS database, conducting genetic research, and optimizing computing resources for regulatory evaluations. Deliverables include periodic reports and training on compliance with accessibility and cybersecurity standards. Information security requirements mandate the safeguarding of sensitive data and adherence to federal regulations concerning handling controlled unclassified information. The resulting advancements are expected to streamline regulatory processes and significantly enhance capabilities for responding to public health emergencies. This initiative reflects a commitment to integrate scientific innovation with public health readiness.
    Attachment B - Vendor Feedback Form.pdf
    The Vendor Feedback Form is a document designed for companies interested in providing services to the FDA under a Draft Statement of Objectives (SOO). It seeks to gather insights regarding vendors’ capabilities to fulfill the requested services, including existing contract vehicle usages and relevant experience across various tasks outlined in the SOO. The form includes a series of questions that require vendors to confirm their ability to meet the SOO requirements, list relevant past contracts, and update on their capability to provide services under an existing GSA Schedule contract, if applicable. Additionally, vendors are encouraged to provide feedback on the SOO and suggest suitable NAICS codes for the requirements. This form serves as a critical component of the proposal evaluation process and aims to ensure that qualified vendors can effectively meet the FDA’s needs while fostering compliance and collaboration in federal procurement practices. The overall structure consists of yes/no queries, descriptive fields for experience, and inquiries about regulatory compliance and contract management.
    Lifecycle
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    Type
    Research and Development of the FDA ARGOS System
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