NIH study with the Washington University School of Medicine to investigate food intake and behaviors (Notice of Intent to sole source)

Acquisition Description & Justification:

This is a Notice of Intent, not a request for proposal.  The National Institute of Health, Clinical Center (NIH-CC) intends to negotiate on an other than full and open competition basis with the Washington University School of Medicine.

The NIH is engaged in research that investigates the role of effort before a meal on food intake and obesogenic food behaviors, and requires continued research in this subject.

The NIH has been working with the Washington University School of Medicine, specifically Dr. Alexxai Kravitz, on research involving neural mechanisms that control decision making in eating behavior. Dr. Kravitz studies neural mechanisms that control decision making and feeding utilizing cutting-edge approaches in electrophysiology, optogenetics, and behavioral analysis to investigate the neural circuits that modulate these processes in mice.

The NIH’s  Dietary Behaviors and Biopsychosocial Health Section, is developing investigations into the role of cognitive and physical effort in food choice and consumption, and requires a continued partnership with Dr. Kravitz and Washington University in order to use their knowledge and expertise to help carry out this research.  

Place of Performance or Delivery:

POP: 9/11/2026 – 09/10/2027

Place of Performance: NIH Clinical Center in Bethesda, MD or as otherwise specified by the NIH project managers

The statutory authority for this sole source requirement is 41 U.S.C. 1901 (a) (1) as implemented by FAR 13.106-1 only one responsible source and no other supply of service will satisfy agency requirements. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL.  All responsible sources that could provide the required may submit a capability statement that will be considered by email (subject line to reference NOI-26-006627) by 5:00 PM eastern standard time on 09/08/2026 to: lu-chang.lu@nih.gov

All responses received by the closing date of this synopsis will be considered by the Government.  A determination not to compete this requirement, based upon responses to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the Government.

The purchase order that shall be awarded for this project shall use standard government terms and conditions.