Biological rapid field tests

National Emergency Supply Agency is procuring biological rapid field tests for field use in the early detection of the following agents: ricin toxin biodefence test, botulinum toxin biodefence test, SEB biodefence test, Orthopoxvirus biodefence test, Bacillus anthracis anthrax biodefence test, Yersinia pestis biodefence test and Francisella tularensis biodefence test. The tests offered must be intended for the use of non-expert users, such as first responders in field situations. Performing the test must not require laboratory training from the user. The tests must be able to detect the specified biological agents from environmental matrices and environmental samples such as, but not limited to, powder, soil, surface or liquid samples. The offered tests must be of high quality and use a proven and validated method. The performance of the offered tests should have been proven through evaluated and valid performance testing. Alternatively, the test has been in the market and used by verified customers for at least 5 years proving the performance and validity of the test. The tests must be easy to perform and the steps needed for sample preparation and performing the test must be minimal. The turn-around-time for the test, including the hands-on-time must be fast, 30 minutes at maximum. Performing the tests must not require any external reagents or devices, such as reading devices or devices for sample preparation. Sampling device or kit should be included in the test kit itself or offered as a combined solution. The test must be easy to perform when using personal protective equipment. The test should have an approval of appropriate international or national authority, if applicable. The contract authority will do usability testing for the tests and score these results. These tests should be delivered on August 2023, at latest. The amount of procured test is approximately 1350 per biological agent during the agreement period. The tests should be supplied as batches of 450 tests 3 times during the procurement period. The procurement volumes are estimations and they can vary. The first batches should be delivered on January 2024, at latest. The next batches should be delivered approximately on June 2025 and on June 2026.

Maximum number of participants to the framework agreement is 2 suppliers per sub-area. The ranking method is described in the draft agreement.