PCR Serology Testing

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) intends to award a Firm-Fixed Price purchase order to Charles River Labs., Inc. (CRL) on a sole source basis. In accordance with FAR Part 6.302-1, the Contractor is the only known responsible source who can provide the services for the requirement listed below.

The purpose of this notice is to inform the public that the National Institutes of Health (NIH) intends to issue a purchase order to CRL for the services of a commercial laboratory for the serological analysis, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and related assays of Non-Human Primate (NHP) sera and tissues used to monitor the health of animals at NIH facilities. PCR serology testing of veterinary clinical samples. An award will be issued to CRL to maintain consistency and accuracy of testing results.

It is critical that inter-laboratory variability from various serology providers is not introduced as a potential confounding factor for the research that utilizes these valuable NHPs. CRL has developed testing methods, including primers and reagents, that have been used for many years to ensure accurate test results.

Test results received from CRL will be consistent with existing test results used to make decisions regarding housing of animals of the same serological status both at in-house Division of Veterinary Resources facilities and at NIH-owned NHP colonies housed in contract facilities. The testing services are needed from a consistent source to eliminate variability in results which is commonly seen between sources due to the broad range of testing methods and varying degrees of specificity and sensitivity of the tests.

This notice is not a request for competitive quotes. However, any party that believes it can fulfill the requirement as stated herein may submit a written capability statement that clearly supports and demonstrates their ability to satisfy the requirement. A determination by the Government to compete this proposed award based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government.

It is anticipated that an award will be issued within five (5) days after the date of this notice unless the Government determines that another company has the capability to satisfy this requirement. Responses to this notice must have the notice ID #SS-NIH-6929993 in the subject line of the email. Please email responses to zetherine.gore@nih.gov no later than 12:00 p.m. EST on Tuesday, May 14, 2024.