Cepheid has announced that it has been selected by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as one of four national collaborators under a new federal initiative designed to accelerate the development and deployment of rapid diagnostic technologies during public health emergencies.
The award—issued under a multiple-award Indefinite Delivery-Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ)1 contract—reinforces Cepheid's longstanding leadership in outbreak response and its commitment to bolstering the nation's pandemic readiness.
Through this collaboration, CDC can provide Cepheid with early access to outbreak samples, genomic sequences, and critical reference materials. This access aims to help close development gaps during early pathogen emergence and accelerate the creation of next-generation diagnostic assays, ensuring that rapid, accurate testing can be deployed quickly when new threats arise.
"For years, Cepheid has been at the forefront of outbreak response," said Vitor Rocha, President of Cepheid. "We are honored to be selected by CDC for this IDIQ award for rapid, scalable diagnostics, and we are confident the collaboration can leverage our pioneering technology and global footprint to help public health systems respond swiftly and effectively to emerging challenges."
Cepheid's integrated PCR systems are designed to deliver fast, accurate results wherever testing is needed—from major health systems to remote settings. By supporting real-time surveillance, early detection, and evidence-based decision-making, Cepheid's innovations help fortify public health infrastructure and expand rapid response capabilities globally.
"Cepheid has proven we can reliably deliver quality molecular diagnostics when they're needed most," said Larry Kelmar, Vice President, Government Programs and Pharma Collaborations at Cepheid. "Working closely with partners like the CDC strengthens our ability to rapidly respond to new outbreaks and safeguard communities with advanced, high-impact testing solutions."
"We remain committed to developing transformative diagnostics that empower healthcare providers and protect public health nationwide," added Kelmar. "CDC's selection reflects not only our technical expertise but also the critical need for sustained collaboration to ensure the country is ready for whatever comes next."
Cepheid's legacy of rapid assay development was exemplified during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the company launched the first point-of-care PCR test for SARS-CoV-2 in the United States within weeks of the viral sequence being published.
This milestone demonstrated the company's ability to compress development timelines without compromising accuracy or quality—capabilities that remain central to its role in national emergency preparedness.
As part of this multi-award IDIQ framework, Cepheid will contribute to a coordinated national effort to modernize outbreak detection, accelerate diagnostic innovation, and ensure testing remains agile in the face of evolving threats.
This collaboration underscores the importance of public-private partnerships for rapid scaling, scientific advancement, and operational readiness.
