Intent to Sole Source Specific Pathogen Free Fertile Eggs

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases Influenza Division (NCIRD/ID), intends to award a sole source purchase order in accordance with FAR 13.106-1(b)(1), soliciting from a single source, to Avian Vaccine Services LLC, Address: 1 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 100, Norwich, CT 06360, for Specific Pathogen Free Fertile Eggs.

The objective of this requirement is for the contractor to furnish research-specific pathogen-free (SPF) eggs to the NCIRD/ID as recommended for the production of high-growth reassortant influenza candidate vaccine viruses and live attenuated influenza virus vaccine candidates by the World Health Organization (WHO). The NAICS code for this procurement is 112310, Chicken Egg Production. The WHO recommends that influenza vaccine seed candidates are produced in SPF-embryonated chicken eggs.

The vaccine seed candidates must have the antigenic properties of the recommended strain and improved growth properties for more efficient vaccine production. The use of SPF eggs from Avian Vaccine Services has resulted in the successful production of candidate vaccine viruses in the past and has optimized laboratory protocols. Genetics vary between the chicken flocks that supply SPF eggs. Additionally, variations of the microbiome among supplier flocks are expected.

Obtaining genetically distinct SPF eggs from alternate suppliers may lead to changes in the isolation rate and potential quality of resulting isolates. This could risk the ability of the Influenza Division to provide candidate vaccine egg viruses to manufacturers in a timely fashion. As a result of this notice, no competitive solicitation will be posted on SAM.gov.

The government will issue only one solicitation to Avian Vaccine Services LLC. However, firms that believe they can meet this requirement are encouraged to identify themselves and give written notice by providing a capability statement to the contract specialist, Dawnnia Daley, at xwf5@cdc.gov by December 5, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. ET. The contract specialist will not respond to verbal requests. All requests must be in writing.

A determination by the government not to take this proposed action will be based on responses to this notice and is solely within the discretion of the contracting officer. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. Inquiries shall reference the solicitation number, 75D301-25-Q-78570, on the subject line and be sent to Dawnnia Daley by email at xwf5@cdc.gov.