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), on behalf of the National Institute on Aging (NIA), is seeking proposals for Neuropathology characterization services to support its Brain Atlas Project. This Total Small Business Set-Aside opportunity aims to better understand Alzheimer's disease at the cellular level by characterizing brain samples. The Government intends to award a Firm Fixed Price Purchase Order. Proposals are due May 28, 2026, at 5pm 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 image preservation for 12 months on the contractor's platform.
- Providing a platform with at least 67TB of storage and access for 3 users.
- Providing all slides related to the 58 samples.
- Services must be completed within 5-10 business days after receiving samples.
- Contractor will provide pick-up and delivery from NIH main campus in Bethesda, MD. The contractor must furnish all necessary services, qualified personnel, material, equipment, and facilities, including a dedicated project manager.
Contract & Timeline
- Solicitation Number: 75N98026Q00313
- Type: Combined Synopsis/Solicitation (Competitive), Firm Fixed Price Purchase Order
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5)
- NAICS: 621511 (Small Business Size Standard: $41.5 million)
- Period of Performance: June 1, 2026 – May 30, 2027
- Place of Performance: Contractor's work site (samples picked up from NIH/NIA, Bethesda, MD)
- Response Due: May 28, 2026, 5pm EST
- Published Date: May 21, 2026
Evaluation
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 for:
- Required Sample Processing Capabilities
- Digital Imaging & Data Platform Requirements Other factors considered include Schedule & Turnaround, Deliverables Compliance, Staffing & Key Personnel, Facilities and Equipment, and Price Evaluation.
Submission Requirements
Proposals must include:
- Unit and total price, shipping/handling, 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. Responses should be submitted electronically to elaine.estrella@nih.gov and brian.lind@nih.gov.