High Flow Filters for NICHD Aquatics Facility
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), specifically the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), intends to acquire a 36-week supply of Graver brand-name High Flow Cartridge filters, Part # HF20-40S, for its Aquatics Facility. This is a Presolicitation notice, and the agency plans to restrict competition due to brand-name requirements. Responses, including capability statements or proposals, are due by February 5, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET.
Scope of Work
The requirement is for high flow filter cartridges essential for the NIH/NICHD Building 6 Shared Zebrafish Facility (SZF). These filters are critical for maintaining proper filtration in fish tanks, preventing debris and embryos from compromising animal health, invalidating research data, and wasting institute resources.
- Deliverables: Approximately 1,152 Graver brand-name High Flow Cartridge filters, Part # HF20-40S.
- Delivery Schedule: Filters to be delivered in increments of 64 bi-monthly over a 36-week period.
- Performance: Filters must meet high filtration and system compatibility requirements.
Contract & Timeline
- Opportunity Type: Presolicitation (not an RFQ/Solicitation)
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business
- Procedures: Simplified procedures (FAR 12.201-1)
- Anticipated Award Date: March 20, 2026
- Performance Period: Up to 12 months from the date of award.
- Response Due: February 5, 2026, by 5:00 PM ET
- Published Date: January 22, 2026
- Place of Performance: Delivery to an offsite storage location in Baltimore, MD, and the onsite facility in Bethesda, MD.
Submission & Evaluation
This is a presolicitation notice, not a formal Request for Quotation. However, all responsible sources are invited to submit a capability statement, quotation, bid, or proposal for consideration.
- Submission Method: Electronically via email to Jacob Balenson (Jacob.balenson@nih.gov).
- Subject Line: Must reference Presolicitation Number 75N94026Q00034.
- Note: The actual solicitation will not be posted to the Government Point of Entry (GPE). The noncompetitive contract action is justified due to the brand-name specification and the need for consistent, high-quality filtration performance. The acquisition is subject to the World Trade Organization Government Procurement Agreement and Free Trade Agreements (FAR 52.225-5).
Additional Notes
No specific qualification requirements for offerors or products are noted, and technical data required to respond is not required at this time.