COLLECTION OF DRIED BLOOD SPOTS

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention intends to issue a sole source firm fixed priced purchase order to the Florida Department of Health, 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-7021. The Florida Department of Health is the only known resource that can provide the required unique select set of dried blood spots submitted to the state public health laboratory for newborn genetic screening. In 2006 there were 237,166 live births in Florida hospitals and 325,431 infants for whom dried blood spots were submitted for screening. This will be the first large, case-controlled study to address whether the prevalence of congenital CMV infection is higher among premature infants than among full-term infants. In addition to the unique collection of dried blood spots from premature infants the Escambia County Health Department will submit to CDC a de-identified specimen database with CMV laboratory data. This is essential in determining whether the prevalence of congenital CMV infection is higher among premature infants. All responsible sources that can meet the above requirements may submit a quote, by August 8, 2008, 12:00 PM EST at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Acquisition and Assistance Branch B; Attn: Tamera Murphy, 2920 Brandywine Road, Atlanta, GA 30341 or via email to [email protected] will be considered by the Agency. All vendors need to be registered in the Central Contracting Registry (CCR) prior to award of a Federal contract. The preferred method for completing registration is via the World Wide Web at http://www.ccr.gov. A handbook and other information are available at the website, including information on how to obtain a DUNS number, which is required to begin the registration process.