Animal Health & Diagnostic Testing Services

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items for Animal Health & Diagnostic Testing Services. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is seeking proposals for these services.

The Statement of Work (SOW) and relevant terms and conditions are included as attachments. Specific details regarding the scope of work are not fully detailed in this synopsis but are referenced as being in the attachments.

• Contract Award Type: Firm Fixed Price

• Contract Award Dollar Amount: TBD

• Period of Performance: TBD (includes potential option to extend for up to six months under FAR 52.217-8)

• Place of Contract Performance: Bethesda, MD

• Proposals are requested via a Request for Quote (RFQ).

• Closing Response Date: June 04, 2026 @ 9:00 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT).

• Questions Due Date: May 20, 2026 at 12:00 P.M Eastern Daylight Time (EDT).

• Evaluation Factors: Offers will be evaluated based on price and other factors, including Technical Proposal/Program Plan, Organizational Experience, Past Performance, and Personnel Experience and Availability. The Government will award to the responsible offeror whose offer is most advantageous, considering best value.

• Offerors must include a completed copy of FAR clause 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications – Commercial Items.

• This solicitation is being released unrestricted.

• NAICS Code: 541940

• Small Business Size Standard: 10.0M

• This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; proposals are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued.

• The solicitation incorporates provisions and clauses effective through Federal Acquisition Circular 2024-07.

• Addenda to FAR Clauses 52.212-1, 52.212-4, and 52.212-5 are included and contain additional terms, conditions, and relevant information.

Statement of Work (SOW)

To provide a readily available source of serology assay testing services, PCR, and other assays to meet the diagnostic and health monitoring needs of the Division of Veterinary Resources (DVR) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

• Perform serological assays using methods such as Multiplex Fluorescent Immunoassay (MFI), Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), and Hemagglutination Inhibition (HAI). Western Blot methodology should be available for confirmatory testing.

• Perform PCR assays for a variety of agents.

• Perform Hematology and Blood Chemistry analysis for a variety of analytes.

• Identify bacterial agents selectively for confirmation of bacterial culture results.

• Propose groupings of pathogens (panels) for testing and develop new panels specifically for the NIH.

• Provide submission forms, collection supplies, and instructions for sample preparation and packaging.

• Arrange for sample pick-up and transport to the testing laboratory.

• Log sample information into a computerized database and report results electronically within specified timeframes (e.g., 3 working days for serology, 7 working days for PCR).

• Notify COR and lab manager of significant positive results promptly.

• Perform research to elucidate causes of outbreaks if requested.

• Provide a training program for employees involved in the contract.

• Maintain an electronic copy of data for the life of the contract.

• Serology assay results to be reported within 3 workdays.

• PCR assay results to be reported within 7 working days.

• Hematology & Blood Chemistry results to be reported within 2 working days.

• Expedited processing for critical specimens is available.

• Base Year: July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2027

• Option Years: Up to June 30, 2031

• Performance will be at the Contractor's laboratory.

• Contractor's lab must be fully equipped with laboratory and computer equipment.

• Equipment must be maintained in proper working condition, with regular calibration.

• Positive and negative controls must be routinely utilized.

• Samples will be stored for six months at – 70°C after testing.

• Key personnel include a Project Supervisor (Ph.D. or DVM/VMD, board-certified ACLAM, 5+ years experience) and Laboratory Supervisors (Bachelor's degree, 1+ year supervisory experience).

• Anticipated volume: Approximately 350,000 individual test results per annum.

• The document includes detailed tables of estimated assays requested for FY2025 across various species (Mice, Rat, Guinea Pig, Rabbit, Hamster) for both Serology and PCR Panel Tests.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document outlines the technical evaluation criteria for an acquisition process aimed at selecting a contractor qualified to perform desired services. The criteria are intended to ensure a fair and impartial review of all proposals submitted in response to the Request for Proposal (RFP).

The evaluation will be based on four factors:

• Factor 1: Technical Proposal/Program Plan (Weight: 50)

  • Requires a detailed description of proposed procedures and methods for accomplishing tasks outlined in the Statement of Work.
  • Specific areas to address include:
    • Sample procurement, data recording, and reporting for serological, PCR, hematology, and blood chemistry testing.
    • Sample processing to meet contract deadlines.
    • Plans for confirming positive results.
    • Personnel supervision.
    • Instrument calibration.
    • Methodology for objectives and preparation/use of control antigens/antisera.
    • Statistical significance determination for serological tests.
    • Confirmation of positive results.
    • Emergency request response procedures (1-day turnaround).
    • Work review process to ensure reporting deadlines are met.

• Factor 2: Organizational Experience (Weight: 20)

  • Description of the company, services performed, size, and period of existence.
  • Details on management structure and key personnel qualifications.
  • Discussion of company experience in performing similar work.
  • References from former/current clients for similar work.

• Factor 3: Past Performance (Weight: 20)

  • Evaluation of the quality of past performance based on provided references and other government sources.
  • Subjective assessment focusing on customer satisfaction and timely delivery at fair prices.
  • Considers record of conforming to specifications, cost control, adherence to schedules, and cooperative behavior.
  • Lack of performance record will result in an unknown risk assessment.

• Factor 4: Personnel Experience and Availability (Weight: 10)

  • Identification of personnel performing work, their roles, and employment status.
  • Resumes showing qualifications, education, training, and experience for each person.
  • Percentage of time each person will devote to the contract.
  • Mechanism for diverting additional personnel resources if needed.
  • Description of the training program for proposed staff.

• Technical and past performance factors combined are significantly more important than price.

• Past performance evaluation occurs after determination of the competitive range.

• No other evaluation criteria will be used beyond those stated in the RFP.