BALB/cJ and C57BL/6J Mice to Support Different Infection Models
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 Naval Medical Research Command (NMRC), specifically the Combat Wound Infections Division (CWID), intends to award a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) to Charles River Laboratories (CRL) and The Jackson Laboratory (JAX). This BPA is for the continuous supply of up to 5,160 specific-pathogen-free (SPF) laboratory research mice to support approximately 43 in vivo experiments between August 2026 and August 2027. This is a Notice of Intent to Award a Single Source contract under FAR 13.106-1(b)(1). Firms believing they can meet the requirement without introducing phenotypic/genotypic variation may submit a capability statement by June 19, 2026.
Scope of Work
The requirement is for female BALB/cJ and C57BL/6J strains of mice, aged 49–56 days, and weighing 12–16 grams. The vendor must guarantee that all models are free from infectious diseases and have not received any prior systemic or topical antimicrobials. Delivery will be on an indefinite-delivery basis to Silver Spring, MD.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA)
- Authority: FAR 13.106-1(b)(1) - Single Source
- Duration: Indefinite-delivery to support experiments from August 2026 to August 2027.
- Set-Aside: Not Applicable (Single Source)
- Capability Statement Due: June 19, 2026, by 4:00 PM ET
- Published: May 29, 2026
Justification & Capability Statement Requirements
The single-source justification stems from the need to maintain established study baselines and control determinations. Planned studies are continuations of ongoing research that have historically used CRL BALB/cJ and JAX C57BL/6J mice. Sourcing from alternative breeders would introduce unacceptable phenotypic and genotypic variation, invalidating historical data and jeopardizing research integrity.
Any firm believing it can meet this requirement without introducing the aforementioned variation must submit a written Capability Statement including:
- Evidence of ability to provide exact genetic strains (BALB/cJ C57BL/6J).
- Evidence of approval by Walter Reed Army Institute of Research.
- Confirmation of ability to meet SPF and “antimicrobial-free” guarantees.
Additional Notes
This notice is not a request for competitive proposals. The government retains sole discretion in determining whether to compete this proposed action based on responses received.