Animal Feed/Bedding Procurement, Storage, & Delivery
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 National Institutes of Health (NIH), specifically the NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH OLAO, is conducting a Sources Sought to identify qualified small businesses for the procurement, storage, and delivery of laboratory animal feed and bedding for its Building 49 Central Animal Facility (CAF) in Bethesda, MD. This market research aims to determine the appropriate acquisition method and potential for a small business set-aside. Capability statements are due by June 29, 2026.
Purpose & Scope
This Sources Sought notice seeks information from small businesses (including 8(a), SDB, WOSB, HUBZone, VOSB, SDVOSB) capable of providing specified Purina/LabDiet™ fixed-formula research diets and equivalent hardwood/paper/cellulose bedding products. The scope includes establishing and maintaining a controlled warehouse, inventory management, routine and emergency deliveries, and comprehensive reporting.
Key Requirements / Deliverables
- Products: Supply Purina/LabDiet™ fixed-formula research diets and equivalent hardwood/paper/cellulose bedding.
- Storage: Maintain a controlled warehouse within approximately 45 miles of NIH Bethesda, capable of holding up to a one-year supply with appropriate environmental controls.
- Inventory Management: Manage an emergency/disaster reserve (30-150 days for feed, 365 days for bedding), ensure stock rotation, and deliver feed within 150 days of manufacture with at least 30 days shelf life remaining.
- Deliveries: Provide routine twice-weekly deliveries (Tuesdays and Thursdays, 0700-11:30 AM) and emergency deliveries.
- Reporting: Maintain accurate inventory records and provide monthly reports.
- Plans: Develop an Operations Statement and a Disaster Plan.
Technical Specifications
- Feed: Must be fixed-formula, meeting NIH Standards for Laboratory Animal Feed Processing, Mill Sanitation, and Nutrient/Chemical Contaminant Analyses. Irradiated/autoclavable diets must maintain nutritional adequacy.
- Bedding: Must meet NIH Standard for Laboratory Animal Bedding Processing, Packaging, and Facility Sanitation. Must be screened, low-dust, and free of contaminants; autoclavable bedding must withstand steam sterilization.
Contract Details
- Period of Performance: One (1) base year with four (4) one-year option periods.
- Anticipated Base Year: September 21, 2026 – September 20, 2027.
- Option Years: Through September 20, 2031.
Submission & Deadlines
- Submission: Capability Statement including vendor name/address, business size/type, point of contact, UEI number, and relevant qualifications.
- Page Limit: Maximum 7 pages.
- Method: Email to Lynda.cole@nih.gov.
- Due Date: Monday, June 29, 2026, by 5:00 PM EST.
Eligibility / Set-Aside
This is a Sources Sought notice to determine the availability and capability of small business concerns for a potential set-aside. No specific set-aside is designated at this stage.
Point of Contact
- Lynda Cole, Contract Specialist, lynda.cole@nih.gov
Additional Notes
This is NOT a solicitation for proposals. The government is not obligated to award a contract or pay for information provided. Proprietary or confidential data should not be submitted. The government reserves the right to inspect facilities.