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Call for Contractor: Alpha-gal Syndrome (AGS) Landscape Analysis Consultant

Open Opportunity

Program Contact

Constance Gewa, Ph.D.
cgewa@foundationfar.org

Alpha-gal Syndrome (AGS) Landscape Analysis Consultant

AGS is an emerging, tick bite–associated, immunoglobulin E (IgE)–mediated allergic response to galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose (alpha-gal), a sugar molecule found in most non-primate mammals. As of 2023, AGS was the 10th most common food allergen in the U.S., and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified it as a growing clinical and public health threat.

Despite the rising prevalence of AGS and potential negative impact on the meat industry in the U.S., very little is understood about the condition. Substantial knowledge gaps exist in understanding AGS risk factors and prevention strategies; biological mechanisms and natural history; and disease diagnosis, treatment and management.
While the lone star tick is the primary vector associated with AGS in the U.S., other species (e.g., Ixodes scapularis and Ixodes pacificus in the U.S. and Ixodes holocyclus in Australia) have been implicated, raising questions about global vectors and vector-host-pathogen interactions (van Nunen et. al., 2009). We lack a comprehensive synthesis of tick-host ecology, seasonal activity and behavior patterns that facilitate transmission of AGS. Furthermore, the biological mechanisms by which tick saliva induces sensitization to alpha-gal are not well understood.

The purpose of this consultancy is to synthesize existing scientific literature, clinical and epidemiological data, and stakeholder perspectives on AGS to identify knowledge gaps, research opportunities and potential interventions into human health and tick ecology. The analysis will serve as a resource for researchers, funders and other stakeholders within the food system.

Applicants should submit a written proposal to develop the landscape analysis. Proposals should contain:

  1. Applicant profile, including qualifications and experience with similar efforts
  2. Approach description, including intended methodology for the landscape analysis
  3. Anticipated outputs and approximate timeline for producing documents to their final form, including a high-level outline of the final output
  4. Budget and budget justification
  5. 2-3 past projects and client references
  6. Other items or information that may assist us in evaluating the proposal (e.g., letters of recommendation, etc.)
  7. Advise for FFAR of any other areas, services or steps toward the stated objectives that are not listed above

Proposals will be evaluated and ranked in accordance with the following criteria:

  • Completeness and quality of response
  • Ability to meet requested service needs
  • Experience with landscape analysis and scientific writing
  • Hourly cost and proposed level of effort

The final award will be based on the best overall value when taking into consideration competence in scientific writing.

Read the Call for Consultant description and requirements.