The Water Research Foundation Releases RFQ For SARS-CoV-2 Study

Today, The Water Research Foundation (WRF) released a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to identify a research team to lead a project evaluating existing methods and testing reliability for the genetic signal for SARS-CoV-2 in untreated wastewater. The selected research team will assess the existing methods used by laboratories (see the RFQ for a list of potential laboratories) and perform statistical analyses and comparison of the test results. This project was identified as a high-priority research need during WRF’s recent International Water Research Summit on Environmental Surveillance of COVID-19 Indicators.

The primary goal of this project is to provide an assessment of the methods currently used at several laboratories and facilities to determine which method(s) provide a reliable and repeatable measurement of the SARS-CoV-2 genetic signal (i.e., copies of RNA) in untreated wastewater. This project will not involve the development of a new standard method, nor will it focus on wastewater sampling and collection methods. The project results will provide much-needed information on preferred methods to use when performing analyses for wastewater surveillance studies and to understand the limits of detection for existing methods.

Please refer to the RFQ for a more detailed summary of the project, team qualification requirements, specific project objectives, QA/QC requirements, and additional instructions.

Statements of Qualifications are due by 2:00 PM MDT on June 19, 2020.

Please send RFQ submittals to RFQ5089@waterrf.org. If you have questions about this project, please contact Stephanie Fevig, WRF Research Program Manager, at 303-347-6103.

About The Water Research Foundation
The Water Research Foundation (WRF) is the world’s leading research organization advancing the science of all water to meet the evolving needs of its subscribers and the water sector. WRF is a nonprofit, educational organization that funds, manages, and publishes research on the technology, operation, and management of drinking water, wastewater, reuse, and stormwater systems—all in pursuit of protection of public health and the environment. WRF represents approximately 1,200 subscribers, hosts an online research library of more than 2,300 completed projects valued at $700 million, manages an innovation platform (LIFT Link) with a database of more than 140 innovative technologies, and supports the world’s largest body of stormwater best practice data. For more information, visit www.waterrf.org.