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 effort aims to better understand Alzheimer's disease at the cellular level by creating a human brain atlas. This is a Total Small Business Set-Aside. Proposals are due May 26, 2026.
Purpose
The NIA's Center for Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias established the Brain Atlas project in 2022 to investigate differences between healthy brains and those affected by Alzheimer's disease at the cellular level. The neuropathology analysis will contribute to creating a human brain atlas based on gene activity, helping researchers understand cell types in diseased brain regions, prioritize target genes, pathways, and future therapeutics.
Scope of Work
The contractor will provide 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 platform with at least 67TB storage and access for 3 users to view, annotate, snapshot, and download raw files.
- Provision of all slides related to the 58 samples.
- Services to be completed within 5-10 business days after receiving samples.
- Contractor will provide pick-up and delivery from NIH main campus in Bethesda, Maryland.
Contract & Timeline
- 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 01, 2026 to May 30, 2027
- Place of Performance: Contractor's work site
- Response Due: May 26, 2026, 8:00 PM EST
- Published Date: May 19, 2026
Evaluation Criteria
Award will be made to the responsible offeror whose proposal represents the best value to the Government, utilizing a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) approach. Technical acceptability is evaluated on a Pass/Fail basis, requiring demonstration of capability to meet all mandatory technical requirements, including:
- Required Sample Processing Capabilities
- Digital Imaging & Data Platform Requirements
- Schedule & Turnaround
- Deliverables Compliance
- Staffing & Key Personnel
- Facilities and Equipment Price evaluation will only be conducted for technically acceptable offers.
Submission Requirements
Responses must include:
- Unit and total price, shipping/handling costs, delivery timeframe, delivery terms, F.O.B. point, product/catalog numbers, and product/service description.
- Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), and business size certification.
- Offerors must be actively registered in SAM.gov.
Point of Contact
For inquiries, contact Elaine Estrella (Contract Specialist) at elaine.estrella@nih.gov or Brian Lind (Contract Officer) at brian.lind@nih.gov.