Assessment and Accreditation of IRB Animal Program
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) has issued a Notice of Intent to Sole Source for the Assessment and Accreditation of its Intramural Research Program (IRP) Animal Program. The NIH intends to award a Firm-Fixed-Price purchase order to AAALAC International, citing them as the only known responsible source under FAR Part 6.302-1. This requirement is crucial for maintaining compliance with NIH Policy Manual Chapter 3040-2. Capability statements from interested small businesses are due by Monday, February 24, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. EST.
Scope of Work
The requirement involves comprehensive assessment and accreditation services for the NIH IRP animal program. Key activities include:
- Triennial Site Visits: Every three years, a team of 12 experts (Site Visitors) conducts a five-day review of the Bethesda-based IRP animal research program. The next visit is scheduled for 2027.
- Program Review: This includes meetings with 16 animal care and use programs, Animal Care and Use Committee members, and leadership.
- Facility Walkthroughs: Conducting walkthroughs of all affiliated animal holding facilities and investigator laboratories where research animals are held or used.
- Ongoing Compliance: Maintaining accreditation status between site visits through ongoing internal assessments and submission of an Annual Report to AAALAC International.
- Funding: The service will be financed incrementally through annual dues.
Contract Details
- Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price purchase order.
- Intended Awardee: AAALAC International (UEI: Y5A5GKHKR8H6).
- Set-Aside: None (Sole Source). However, the government encourages small businesses (e.g., 8(a), service-disabled veteran owned small business, HUBZone small business, small disadvantaged business, veteran-owned small business, and women-owned small business) to submit capability statements.
- Place of Performance: Bethesda, MD.
Submission & Evaluation
This notice is not a request for competitive quotes. However, any small business that believes it can meet the requirement is invited to submit a written capability statement. The government reserves the discretion to compete this proposed award based on responses. An award is anticipated approximately ten (10) days after the notice date unless another organization demonstrates capability.
Key Dates & Contact
- Capability Statement Due: Monday, February 24, 2026, by 12:00 p.m. EST.
- Submission Email: Lynda.Cole@nih.gov.
- Published Date: February 18, 2026.