The Naval Medical Research Unit 6 (NAMRU-6) is seeking sources for a collaborative research effort to continue with the study entitled: "Entomological surveillance in Antioquia State, Colombia - characterization of mosquito, tick and sand fly vectors". This study aims to characterize mosquito, tick and sand fly species present in the Alburra Valley, Antioquia state, Colombia. This acquisition is specific for the city of Cartagena, Colombia. This acquisition requires submitting all necessary paperwork to Colombia local authorities to obtain insect collection and export permits; coordinating entomological collection activities with local Ministry of Health and academic partners; coordinating shipment of equipment and materials, and purchase field supplies for entomological collections; conducting collections of adult mosquitoes (Culicidae), ticks (Ixodidae, Argasidae) and sand flies (Psychodidae) in areas of Malaria, Arbovirus and Leishmaniasis transmission in the Aburra Valley, Antioquia state; assisting in identification of mosquito, tick and sand fly specimens collected using taxonomic keys, and specimen pooling by species, sex, site, collection date, trapping method; preparing field collection database; performing DNA extractions of a sub-set (30%) of specimens identified and pooled; preparing DNA sample inventory; shipping of entomological specimens and DNA samples to NAMRU-6, Peru; providing arbovirus infection, malaria, and leishmaniasis incidence data from study studies or the information available from the Ministry of Health or local Health Authorities and correlate with vector densities and vector species composition. All activities must be carried out with the outmost adherence to all ethical and quality control standards, in order to minimize risk of performance deficiencies. The contract will have a performance period of 1 year, effective from the date of execution and with the possibility of a 6-12 month extension at no cost.

Kansas State University (KSU) is an expert in research and consultancy in tropical medicine with emphasis on vector-borne diseases and their Department of Entomology performs research activities focused on field and laboratory studies on the eco-epidemiology and transmission dynamics of vector-borne diseases such as Malaria, Dengue, Zika and tick-borne diseases having conducted several collaborative projects with institutions in Colombia including Universidad de Pamplona and Universidad de Antioquia. The substantial intellectual contribution made by KSU makes them the only institution we can contract to conduct vector surveillance and research activities in Colombia.

 

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