Neuropathology characterization for the Brain Atlas Project
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 on Aging (NIA), is seeking proposals for Neuropathology characterization services to support its Brain Atlas Project. This project aims to understand cellular differences between healthy brains and those affected by Alzheimer's disease, contributing to a human brain atlas. This is a Total Small Business Set-Aside. Proposals are due by May 20, 2026, 8:00 PM EST.
Scope of Work
The contractor will provide comprehensive neuropathology services for 58 large, multiple-piece brain samples. Key tasks include:
- Trimming, cassette printing, processing, and wet embedding into paraffin (16 blocks per sample).
- Routine Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining (16 blocks per sample).
- Chromogenic immunostaining on 30 slides per sample using specified antibodies (Phospho-TDP-42, Phospho-Ser129 alpha-synuclein, Beta-amyloid, Phospho-Tau AT8).
- Digital 40x scanning and preservation of images for 12 months on the contractor's platform.
- Provision of a digital platform with at least 67TB of storage and access for 3 users to view, annotate, snapshot, and download raw files.
- Delivery of all slides related to the 58 samples.
- Services must be completed within 5-10 business days after sample receipt, with contractor-provided pick-up and delivery from NIH Bethesda.
- A dedicated project manager is required.
Contract Details
- Solicitation Number: 75N98026Q00313
- Contract Type: Firm Fixed-Price Purchase Order
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5)
- NAICS Code: 621511 (Small Business Size Standard: $41.5 million)
- Period of Performance: June 1, 2026 – May 30, 2027
- Place of Performance: Contractor's work site, with sample delivery to NIH/NIA, Bethesda, MD.
Evaluation Factors
Award will be made to the responsible offeror whose proposal represents the best value to the Government, based on a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) approach. Evaluation factors include:
- Technical Acceptability (Pass/Fail):
- Required Sample Processing Capabilities
- Digital Imaging & Data Platform Requirements
- Schedule & Turnaround
- Deliverables Compliance
- Staffing & Key Personnel
- Facilities and Equipment
- Price Evaluation (LPTA for technically acceptable offers)
Submission Requirements & Deadline
Offerors must submit proposals including unit and total price, shipping/handling, delivery timeframe, delivery terms, F.O.B. point, product/service description, UEI, TIN, and business size certification. All offerors must be actively registered in SAM.gov. Responses are due by May 20, 2026, 8:00 PM EST. Point of Contact: Elaine Estrella (elaine.estrella@nih.gov) and Brian Lind (brian.lind@nih.gov).