Traveler-based Genomic Surveillance Program

Revised Solicitation and Questions and Responses Updated posted 7/31/2024. For the solicitation CLIN 2004 period of performance was updated to 8/26/2025 - 8/25/2026. Section F was also updated. Questions and Responses posted 7/18/2024. Solicitation Revision #1 7/10/2024 - Section A (1)(d) language that inidcated a small business set-aside is removed. See updated solicitation document.

The Traveler-based Genomic Surveillance program (TGS) plays an important role in U.S. national biosecurity through its two major goals: (1) early detection of new SARS-CoV-2 variants and other pathogens and (2) filling in gaps in global biosurveillance. The purpose of TGS is to utilize samples from travelers (clinical and environmental) to test, sequence and monitor trends of SARS-CoV-2 and other important pathogens and public health threats ( e.g. antimicrobial resistance) .

TGS is voluntary and enrolls travelers from a wide array of countries. Prioritization of arriving flights is based on factors such as travel volume, geographic region, available sequencing data, disease prevalence and seasonality, etc. TGS is flexible and nimble and maintains the ability to surge capacity depending on public health needs. The de-identified raw data and samples collected belong to CDC.

Samples from travelers undergo reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) testing and genetic sequencing on all positive samples. The turn-around-time from sample collection to reporting of sequencing results is within 10 days. The program leverages a variety of sampling modalities, including individual testing, pooled testing, wastewater testing, and air sampling. TGS uses a variety of molecular testing techniques and sequencing approaches.

The Traveler-based Genomic Surveillance program (TGS) plays an important role in U.S. national biosecurity through its two major goals: (1) early detection of new SARS-CoV-2 variants and other pathogens and (2) filling in gaps in global biosurveillance. The purpose of TGS is to utilize samples from travelers (clinical and environmental) to test, sequence and monitor trends of SARS-CoV-2 and other important pathogens and public health threats ( e.g. antimicrobial resistance) .

TGS is voluntary and enrolls travelers from a wide array of countries. Prioritization of arriving flights is based on factors such as travel volume, geographic region, available sequencing data, disease prevalence and seasonality, etc. TGS is flexible and nimble and maintains the ability to surge capacity depending on public health needs. The de-identified raw data and samples collected belong to CDC.

Samples from travelers undergo reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) testing and genetic sequencing on all positive samples. The turn-around-time from sample collection to reporting of sequencing results is within 10 days. The program leverages a variety of sampling modalities, including individual testing, pooled testing, wastewater testing, and air sampling. TGS uses a variety of molecular testing techniques and sequencing approaches.