In November 2023 the University of Saskatchewan’s Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organisation (VIDO) announced that it has been awarded an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract by the US NIAID. One of seven organisations selected to be a member in the NIAID service provider pool, VIDO is the only non-US organisation and the only University-based organisation to be included.
7-year IDIQ for VIDO
An IDIQ means that the quantity of products or services that will be delivered has not yet been delivered. This creates more flexibility for the government. The contract awarded to VIDO will last seven years and is valued up to US$30 million.
“VIDO’s Vaccine Development Centre will play an important role in providing services that will help a wide variety of researchers obtain the critical data needed to advance products, partnerships, and complete studies needed to enter clinical trials.”
VIDO describes itself as a “world leader” in infectious disease research and vaccine development for humans and animals.
“VIDO’s expertise, infrastructure, and history put us at the forefront of innovation and make us a valuable resource and a source of pride for Canada.”
It has over 45 years of experience in “developing solutions” to emerging threats, which informed its “key role” in Canada’s COVID-19 response.
A vote of confidence
Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister for PrairiesCan, described the news as a “vote of confidence” in VIDO’s capabilities and an “international recognition of their status as a world-class hub”.
“This contract marks an important step in Canada’s Biomanufacturing and Life Sciences Strategy – generating economic growth, a strong biomanufacturing ecosystem, and ensuring Canada can lead the response to global infections disease emergencies.”
Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry, Honourable Francois-Philippe Champagne, is “proud” to invest in VIDO to “better protect the health and safety of Canadians” by providing access to vaccines.
“VIDO’s crucial work is putting a spotlight on Canadian scientists while contributing to our efforts to rebuild a strong domestic biomanufacturing and life sciences sector.”
Jeremy Harrison, Minister Responsible for Innovation Saskatchewan, Government of Saskatchewan, described VIDO as “at the forefront of vaccine research and development in Canada”.
“This opportunity will provide critical product advancement and new prospects for economic growth in our province.”
President of the University of Saskatchewan, Peter Stoicheff, commented that the scientists at VIDO are contributing to pandemic preparation with vaccine and treatment development.
“This contract with the NIAID reinforces our commitment to being the university the world needs.”
Dr Volker Gerdts, VIDO’s Director and CEO, is glad of the opportunity to “engage agencies like the NIAID” as part of the “international engagement strategy”.
“Infectious diseases are a global issue and VIDO is making an increasingly broad and global impact on vaccine development.”
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