ASIT.TO 1 year software support from ArgonSoft (Notice of Intent to sole source)

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

To establish a 12-month software maintenance agreement for the CC/PET department's custom-developed Laboratory Informatics Management System (LIMS), named ASIS.TO.

This agreement covers yearly software maintenance for the ASIS.TO LIMS, including:

• Phone and web-based technical support: Provided remotely via an online Help Desk (https://argonsoft.atlassian.net/servicedesk/customer/portal/8), email, phone, and video chat.

• Software updates: Includes regular bugfix packages and minor upgrade packages (containing recent upgrades for existing functions and minor enhancements).

• Gold-level support (200 hours/year): Remote consultancy and advisory services on system usage, configuration, defining new workflows, performance qualification (PQ) support, professional support for internal validation processes, and training for new employees.

• System customization: Up to 50% (100 man-hours) of the consultancy hours can be used for EQonn plugin modifications.

• Urgent incident escalation: Three (3) urgent incident escalations per year with premium priority handling, with a response time of at least within 2 workdays.

• Remote support for software update installation.

• Dedicated account manager.

• Incidents handled with the highest priority by a dedicated support team.

• Response to incidents ASAP, at least within 2 workdays.

• Provision of solutions ASAP.

• Period of Performance: January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2026.

• Place of Performance: N/A (technical phone/web support).

• The customer must provide remote access to the IT environment where ASIS.TO is installed.

• On-site support, if requested, will incur extra travel and on-site costs.

• Support will only be offered by ArgonSoft ASIS.TO experts through the dedicated website/phone support system.

Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition

This document justifies awarding a Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) software maintenance agreement to ArgonSoft on a sole-source basis. The agreement is for the existing Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) installed by ArgonSoft in the NIH Clinical Center (CC)/PET department.

• Software maintenance agreement for the NIH LIMS (called ASIS.TO).

• Coverage includes up to 200 hours of man-hour support for a 12-month period.

• Support includes phone support, software updates, web support, phone calls, video chat, and bug fixes/remote upgrades.

• Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP)

• Period of Performance (PoP): Twelve (12) months from the time of award.

• Estimated Value: Not explicitly stated, but the document refers to "the dollar value of the acquisition."

This document is a justification for a sole-source award, not a solicitation. Therefore, proposal submission and evaluation criteria are not applicable.

This acquisition is being conducted using "Other Than Full and Open Competition" under FAR 6.302-1, citing that ArgonSoft is the sole responsible source as the designer/manufacturer of the proprietary and customized software.

• The justification is based on ArgonSoft being the sole vendor capable of providing the required maintenance for their proprietary software.
• Market research confirmed ArgonSoft as the only capable source.
• For future acquisitions, NIH plans to conduct Industry Days to promote competition and familiarize potential contractors with specialized requirements.