DVR Autoclave Preventive Maintenance and Repair Services

Notice of Intent to Award a Single-Source Blanket Purchase Agreement

Notice Type: Special Notice / Notice of Intent to Sole Source
Response Date: August 28, 2026
Classification Code: J049 – Maintenance, Repair, and Rebuilding of Equipment – Maintenance and Repair Shop Equipment
NAICS Code: 811310 – Commercial and Industrial Machinery and Equipment (except Automotive and Electronic) Repair and Maintenance

Description

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), intends to award a single-award Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) under FAR Part 12 on a noncompetitive basis for DVR Autoclave Preventive Maintenance and Repair Services in support of the Division of Veterinary Resources (DVR).

The contemplated BPA will provide preventive maintenance, callback repair services, and related support for Government-owned autoclave equipment located in Bethesda, Maryland and Poolesville, Maryland. The autoclaves are used for routine sterilization of caging, equipment, water, diets, bedding, and waste in NIH animal facilities and are critical to animal health and welfare, NIH AAALAC accreditation, and mission continuity.

The requirement includes, but is not limited to:

• Four preventive maintenance visits per year, approximately every 90 days
• Inspection, testing, cleaning, adjustment, lubrication, and maintenance in accordance with manufacturer recommendations
• Callback and emergency repair services
• Detailed inspection and service reporting
• Support for multiple autoclave manufacturers and models, including Amsco, Getinge, BetaStar, BMT, and Sterivap equipment
• Performance in controlled animal facility environments with specific access and contamination-control requirements

The anticipated period of performance is a base year plus four one-year option periods:

• Base Year: September 1, 2026 – August 31, 2027
• Option Year 1: September 1, 2027 – August 31, 2028
• Option Year 2: September 1, 2028 – August 31, 2029
• Option Year 3: September 1, 2029 – August 31, 2030
• Option Year 4: September 1, 2030 – August 31, 2031

The Government intends to award this BPA to:

Avant Garde Scientific, Inc.
9217 Woodvale Dr
Damascus, MD 20872-1061

The statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition is FAR Part 12, Simplified Acquisition Procedures, as supported by the Government’s market research and file documentation. The Government believes that the identified source is the only source reasonably available with the demonstrated capability, experience, and familiarity necessary to meet the Government’s requirement without unacceptable risk to operations.

This notice is not a request for competitive quotations. However, any responsible source that believes it is capable of meeting the Government’s requirement may submit a capability statement demonstrating its ability to perform the required services. Capability statements must clearly address the vendor’s ability to:

1. Provide preventive maintenance and repair services for multiple autoclave manufacturers and models;
2. Respond to service calls within 24 hours, excluding weekends and Federal holidays;
3. Perform work in NIH animal facilities with controlled access and contamination-control procedures;
4. Provide trained and experienced personnel for autoclave maintenance and repair; and
5. Support the required locations in Bethesda and Poolesville, Maryland.

Responses must be submitted electronically no later than August 28, 2026. Responses received after the closing date may not be considered.

A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed action based on responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will be considered only for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement.