Cannabinoid Testing
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 Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), under the Department of Justice, has issued an Unrestricted Request for Quote (RFQ) for Cannabinoid Testing. This solicitation seeks services for the Evaluation of Abuse Potential of Synthetic Cannabinoids and Phytocannabinoids Using In Vivo Pharmacological Studies. The purpose is to support domestic scheduling activities under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) by conducting preclinical studies on emerging substances. Quotes are due by February 9, 2026, at 3:00 PM Z.
Scope of Work
The contractor will conduct preclinical evaluations using in vivo assays, including locomotor activity, cannabinoid tetrad, and drug discrimination studies. Key requirements include:
- Procurement of reference drugs and test substances (with cost limits).
- Maintaining electronic and paper logs for drug source, storage, and recordkeeping.
- Developing and submitting study protocols for each in vivo study.
- Reporting experimental issues to the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR).
- Submitting detailed study reports and a final study report for each substance tested, with data presented in tables and figures.
- Maintaining appropriate DEA licenses and Schedule I researcher registration if handling Schedule I substances. The DEA will provide non-commercially available test substances.
Contract Details
- Type: Firm-Fixed-Price Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA).
- Period of Performance: A 12-month base period with four one-year option periods, totaling up to 60 months.
- Call Orders: Initiated on an as-needed basis, with each call order not exceeding the Simplified Acquisition Threshold of $350,000.
- Set-Aside: Unrestricted.
- NAICS: 541380 (Testing Laboratories and Services).
- Place of Performance: Springfield, VA 22152, United States.
Submission & Evaluation
- Quotes Due: February 9, 2026, at 3:00 PM Z.
- Submission Format: Quotes must be submitted in two volumes: Volume I (Technical Quote) and Volume II (Business Quote). Bidders should refer to the "schedule of supplies/services" on page 4 of the solicitation for pricing guidance and provide a cost breakdown.
- Evaluation: Award will be based on the Lowest-Price-Technically Acceptable (LPTA) methodology. Technical evaluation factors include Understanding of the Requirement, Experience/Past Performance, and detailed protocols for pharmacological studies and drug storage. Price is an unrated factor.
- Eligibility: Offerors must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and be registered in SAM. Personnel may require background investigations and security clearances.
Contact Information
- Primary Point of Contact: Ms. Angel Barkley, angel.d.barkley@dea.gov.