CRDF GLOBAL
REQUEST FOR INTEREST (RFI)
Summary:
CRDF Global is seeking U.S. and international consultants for laboratory biorisk management; public,
veterinary and zoonotic health; biomedical transportation; field diagnostics; safety and PPE training for
medical professionals; sustainable supply chains and other relevant topics related to biosafety and
biosecurity in the Ebola-stricken countries and surrounding areas of west Africa.
Background:
CRDF Global is an independent nonprofit organization that promotes international scientific and
technical collaboration through grants, technical resources, training and services. CRDF Global is based
in Arlington, Virginia with offices in Moscow, Russia; Kyiv, Ukraine; Almaty, Kazakhstan; and Amman,
Jordan.
CRDF Global's mission is to: provide cooperative research and development (R&D) opportunities that
enable scientists and engineers to address critical security, economic, education and other societal
needs; advance peace and prosperity by funding civilian research and development projects that
contribute to global nonproliferation objectives; promote the application of science and technology to
economic growth through international partnerships and training that foster invention, innovation,
entrepreneurship and the commercialization of technology; and to strengthen university research and
education in science and engineering.
CRDF Global supports the U.S. Department of State’s Biosecurity Engagement Program (BEP), whose
mission is to reduce the risks posed by biological threats by working with governments, scientists and
other stakeholders to build sustainable capacity for biosecurity, biosafety, disease surveillance, and
cooperative scientific research.
More information is available at www.crdfglobal.org and http://bepstate.net/.
Expertise needed:
CRDF Global has periodic and recurring needs for consultants with diverse expertise, including incountry expertise to support BEP-funded work and projects related to the Ebola epidemic. The length
and specifics of engagement may vary and new concepts and proposals are welcome. In general, CRDF
Global is seeking those who have expertise in the following:
- Trainings for health care professionals and other response personnel related to PPEs, disease
detection, medical equipment and general safety.
- Biorisk management trainings for laboratories that handle infectious (Ebola) samples and
materials.
- Biorisk management improvements at laboratories that handle infectious (Ebola) material.
- Laboratory assessments for biosecurity, including waste management.
- Laboratory equipment operation, maintenance and repair training.
CRDF Global Request for Interest
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Scope, Tasks and Deliverables
The scope of work will vary depending on the specific need addressed by each consultant. CRDF Global
may accept specific proposals for work and invite relevant responders to this RFI to submit specific
proposals to respond to the Ebola outbreak. Potential proposals could include conducting training on a
particular topic, conducting laboratory assessments at facilities in a specific country, building
infrastructure and capacity or assisting laboratories to improve their biorisk management practices
through consultations. This may include travel to one or more countries; collaboration with international
partners, CRDF Global staff, other contractors and U.S. government personnel; and periodic and final
reporting on work accomplished and recommendations for next steps.
Submission Requirements:
Each submission must include:
- A specific Statement of Interest,
- Details of technical capabilities,
- CV(s) of relevant personnel,
- List of recent experience in the subject matter area(s), including knowledge and experience in the
regions/countries listed above and
- Proposed Rate/Fee
Contractor Selection Criteria:
By conducting an RFI, CRDF Global may pursue engagements with the respondent(s) that provides the
best value in terms of overall price, experience and application. The respondent must have proven
experience working with international partners and experts in the key areas of Ebola, biosecurity and
biosafety and strong understanding of the local context.
Submission:
Proposals should be submitted to Maggie Lamborn, at mlamborn@crdfglobal.org. Proposals should be
submitted as electronic documents in PDF, Word or Excel format and will be accepted on a rolling basis,
dependent on continued need and availability of funds.
CRDF Global Request for Interest
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