Antibacterial Nanoparticles Therapeutic (ANT) Study

Notice of Intent to Sole Source

This document announces the Defense Health Agency Contracting Activity's (DHACA) intent to negotiate a sole source contract with the University of Notre Dame, in accordance with FAR 6.302. The contract is for a study to test innovative antibacterial nanoparticles with phage-mimicking properties (PhANPs) against multi-drug resistant (MDR) strains of Pseudomonas (P.) aeruginosa. This research aims to develop novel therapeutics for military healthcare to treat MDR P. aeruginosa infections, which are particularly relevant to service members after battlefield injuries.

• Conduct a study to test innovative antibacterial nanoparticles (PhANPs).

• Focus on combat-relevant MDR strains of P. aeruginosa.

• Develop novel therapeutics for military health care.

• The contract will be negotiated on a sole source basis with the University of Notre Dame.

• The University of Notre Dame is the patent owner of the technology.

• The technology has been awarded a patent (US-12161725-B2).

• The Government anticipates this will contribute to FDA approval of the therapy, leading to reduced morbidity and mortality, enhanced operational readiness, and advancements in combat medicine and biosecurity.

• This notice is NOT a request for competitive quotations.

• Interested parties may submit capability information in writing by 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time, 28 April 2026.

• Submissions should be directed to Ms. Linda Hinson (linda.t.hinson.civ@health.mil) and Mr. Sharew Hailu (sharew.hailu.civ@health.mil).

• Supporting evidence must demonstrate the firm's ability to provide the stated capability.

• Responses will be evaluated, but the determination not to compete is at the Government's discretion.

• If no responses are received, DHACA will proceed with the sole source contract.

• This is a sole source announcement, not a competitive solicitation.

• The study aims to provide life-saving therapeutics for service members and civilians.

Request for Information (RFI)

This RFI is issued by the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR), Bacterial Diseases Branch (BDB) for an antibacterial nanoparticles therapeutic (ANT) study. The purpose is to gather information for planning purposes and does not constitute a solicitation. The study aims to test innovative antibacterial nanoparticles with phage-mimicking properties (PhANPs) against combat-relevant multi-drug resistant (MDR) strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a pathogen that causes difficult-to-treat infections in service members.

• The contractor shall provide non-personal Research and Development effort, including qualified research personnel, laboratory facilities, and necessary materials.

• The study involves three specific milestones, requiring the contractor to produce and conjugate SilverGold Nanoparticles.

• Deliverables include specific quantities of nanoparticles, lyophilized and shipped on ice, with associated QC certificates.

• The contractor must provide documentation on fundamental properties (purity, composition, size, morphology, stability) and antibacterial effectiveness (MIC, MBC, time-kill kinetics, spectrum of activity) of the nanoparticles.

• The RFI response due date is 1 April 2026.

• The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code is 541713 - Research and Development in Nanotechnology.

• The Contracting Office is the Defense Health Agency Contracting Activity (DHACA).

• Responses should be submitted electronically in Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format.

• White papers should not exceed 3 pages total and include a cover page with specific contact and organizational details.

• Interested parties should submit a capabilities statement.

• Responses from all capable and qualified sources are encouraged.

• Information received will be treated as business confidential if marked.

• Responses are not offers and will not be returned.

• Responders are solely responsible for all expenses associated with responding.

• No hardcopies will be accepted, and no written solicitation document is available at this time.

• Questions should be directed via email to Ms. Linda Hinson or Mr. Sharew Haily by 1 April 2026.