RESTRICTED LAB SERVICE PROGRAM FOR (4) ZOE CM2 CULTURE MODULE FOR ORGAN CHIPS

This is a Notice of Intent, not a request for proposal. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) intends to negotiate on an other than full and open competition basis with Emulate Inc. for (4) Restricted Lab Service Programs for (4) ZOE CM2 culture modules. The Integrated Research Facility (IRF-Frederick)’s mission focuses on improving patients’ lives through facilitation of research on Risk Group 4 pathogens.

The Organ-Chip system that the IRF-Frederick has at BSL-2 and BSL-4 is a valuable capability to the IRF and expands the portfolio of future research collaborations that support the mission of NIAID/ IRF-Frederick. The system purchased through Emulate Inc., is worth approximately $500’000. An extension of the service contract is necessary to ensure that the equipment is properly maintained and in working order.

The Organ-Chip equipment owned at the IRF-Frederick is only produced and supplied by Emulate Inc., and not available through any other suppliers. For this reason, the requested service contract should also come through the same company that manufactures this specific equipment. the Organ-Chip equipment is only produced and distributed by Emulate Inc. No other company or vendor would offer a service agreement including replacement of parts for this equipment.

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 comparable services may submit a capability statement that will be considered.

The documents must be submitted via the NIAID electronic Simplified Acquisition Submission System (eSASS) website at https://esass.nih.gov, (subject line to reference NOI-NIAID-24-2229170 by 12:00 pm eastern standard time September 3, 2024. All vendors must register in the eSASS system to submit a quotation. Instructions on how to register / submit quotes are included on the website. Late submissions shall be treated in accordance with the solicitation provision at FAR 52.212-1(f). All responsible sources may submit an offer that will be considered by this Agency.