Bid guide
How to bid on Merck Stockpile Vaccine Storage and Rotation for CDC
What the CDC is buying and why it matters
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is seeking services for the storage, rotation, and distribution of stockpiled pediatric vaccines. These vaccines are manufactured by Merck Sharp and Dohme Corporation. The CDC intends to award a fixed-price commercial contract for these services.
This is an important opportunity for firms that specialize in pharmaceutical logistics, particularly those with experience handling sensitive medical products like vaccines. While the CDC intends to award this contract to Merck Sharp and Dohme LLC without full and open competition, they are requesting information from other interested firms. This means the government will consider all information received before making a final decision on whether to compete the procurement.
Key dates and what happens at the deadline
The deadline for submitting information is August 7, 2026, at 1:00 PM ET. All submissions must be sent via email to the Contract Specialist and Contracting Officer by this time. Telephone responses will not be accepted.
After the deadline, the government will review all information received. A determination by the government not to compete this procurement based on responses to this notice is solely within their discretion. The government will not pay for any information submitted.
Who this opportunity suits
This opportunity is best suited for firms with expertise in professional logistics, warehousing, and distribution, especially for pharmaceutical products and vaccines. Firms should have the capability to manage storage, rotation, and distribution services for a large-scale stockpile of pediatric vaccines.
While the RFI indicates an intent to award to Merck Sharp and Dohme LLC, other firms in the professional services category, particularly those with relevant experience in medical supply chain management, should consider responding to demonstrate their capabilities and potentially influence the CDC's decision on competition.
How to respond to this RFI
To access the full details of this opportunity, you should click the “View original source” link. If the first click takes you to the portal’s homepage, click it again to go directly to the bid. You may need a free account to view some documents, though this is not always required.
All submissions and questions must be sent via email to the points of contact listed in the solicitation. Interested firms must also be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) database to do business with the federal government.
Tips for preparing a competitive response
Even for an RFI where an agency states an intent to award to a specific vendor, a well-prepared response can be beneficial. Clearly articulate your firm's capabilities and experience in vaccine storage, rotation, and distribution. Highlight any unique qualifications or efficiencies you can offer.
Ensure your submission directly addresses the services requested: storage, rotation, and distribution of stockpiled pediatric vaccines. Provide concrete examples of past performance that demonstrate your ability to handle similar requirements. Make sure your firm is fully registered and active in SAM before submitting your information.
See the live bid — deadline, agency details, and how to respond
Dates and requirements can change via addenda; always verify on the bid page and at the original source before responding.
View this bid on BiddingSimpleThis guide was prepared by BiddingSimple from the solicitation’s public posting. It is not official guidance from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; the original posting controls.