AN41--Research Study Services - Postmortem Human Brain Tissue Specimens
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), specifically the Regional Procurement Office (RPO) - East, has issued a Pre-Solicitation Notice indicating its intent to award a sole source contract to the Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, Inc. (RFMH). This contract is for postmortem human brain tissue specimens to support a critical VA Merit award study at the James J. Peters VA Medical Center (JJPVAMC) in Bronx, NY. The study, led by Dr. Fatemeh Haghighi, focuses on validating loci associated with suicide risk. Interested parties who believe they can provide these specialized services must contact the Contracting Officer by April 15, 2026.
Opportunity Details
This requirement is for a one-year contract to obtain appropriate post-mortem human white matter brain tissue specimens from suicide decedents and non-psychiatric controls. These specimens are essential for the VA Merit-funded project, "Bidirectional validation of loci associated with suicide risk using the Million Veteran Data and postmortem human brain." The study aims to assess inflammatory processes in the brains of suicide decedents at a molecular level, identifying genetic factors contributing to inflammation and suicide risk.
Scope of Services
RFMH is expected to provide 190 specimens (up to 150mg each) from the ventral frontal cortex white matter. This includes 168 unique postmortem cases, with an additional 22 cases reserved for potential resampling due to experimental failures. The specimens must be sourced from the unique NYSPI Brain Collection, which offers expertly curated tissue with detailed psychological autopsy data, crucial for the project's success. Services include identification, location, preparation, and dissection of appropriate brain regions to ensure viable specimens are delivered frozen to Dr. Haghighi's laboratory.
Contract & Timeline
This is a Special Notice for an intended sole source award under FAR 6.302.1-1 (Only One Responsible Source). No formal solicitation will be posted.
- Contract Type: Sole Source (Pre-Solicitation Notice)
- Duration: One (1) year
- NAICS Code: 541714 (Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology))
- PSC: AN41 (Health R&D Services; Health Care - Other; Basic Research)
- Set-Aside: None (sole source)
- Response Due: April 15, 2026, 11:59 AM ET
- Published: April 8, 2026
Action for Interested Parties
Companies believing they can provide these specific postmortem human brain tissue specimen services are invited to contact the Contracting Officer, Ms. Millicent Covert, via email at millicent.covert@va.gov. The determination to conduct a competitive procurement based on responses is solely at the discretion of the Contracting Officer. Calls will not be accepted.