Formative Research Study Design and Implementation

The contract seeks to design and execute a multi-jurisdictional formative research study focused on evaluating the feasibility and identifying barriers to self-collection for viral load monitoring in rural communities. This effort requires comprehensive protocol development, coordination with institutional review boards across multiple jurisdictions, and direct oversight of field implementation to ensure scientific rigor and ethical compliance. The study aims to gather actionable data on community acceptance, logistical challenges, and operational constraints associated with decentralized self-collection methods, with the ultimate goal of informing scalable public health interventions. The work is classified as a subcontract under NAICS code 541990 and is issued by the CDC Office of Acquisition Services under the Department of Health and Human Services. The solicitation was posted on July 28, 2026, with a strict response deadline of July 29, 2026, leaving a narrow window for prospective contractors to submit proposals. Performance will occur across rural areas without specified geographic limitations, requiring the contractor to manage complex, decentralized operations. The absence of set-aside designation indicates openness to all eligible entities, and the emphasis on IRB coordination and field oversight underscores the need for proven experience in ethical research conduct and on-the-ground implementation in resource-limited settings.