NIH Gateway to Research Opportunities for the Workforce (GROW) Program
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 of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), has issued a Solicitation (RFQ) for the NIH Gateway to Research Opportunities for the Workforce (GROW) Program. This program is a two-year initiative designed to prepare high school and undergraduate students for research training programs at research-intensive institutions. The goal is to enhance research capacity, increase student access to research opportunities, and support STEM education. Quotations are due by 9:00 AM EST on June 29, 2026.
Scope of Work
The NIH GROW Program features two distinct tracks:
- High School Track: Focuses on students from American Indian/Alaska Native communities.
- Undergraduate Track: Targets students from resource-limited institutions. Offerors must submit a quotation for only one track. The program includes a seven- to eight-week summer session and at least one enrichment activity in the fall and spring. Key deliverables involve curriculum development, coordination of activities, student recruitment, and tracking of academic progression. Specific curriculum components include hands-on research experience, research seminars, journal clubs, professional development, and for the high school track, a Traditional Knowledge component.
Contract & Timeline
- Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) Purchase Order.
- Period of Performance: Anticipated 12-month base period and a 12-month option period.
- Number of Awards: The government reserves the right to award one to ten purchase orders.
- Set-Aside: Unrestricted solicitation.
- NAICS Code: 611310 Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (Size Standard: $34.5M).
- Quotations Due: June 29, 2026, 9:00 AM EST.
- Published Date: June 18, 2026.
Submission & Evaluation
Quotations must be submitted in two volumes: a Business Volume (using Attachment 2: Pricing Table) and a Technical Volume. Evaluation will be based on a best value approach, considering technical capability, personnel qualifications, recruitment and retention plans, past performance, and price. Technical and past performance factors are considered more important than cost or price. The government may award without discussions.
Additional Notes
The solicitation incorporates provisions and clauses by reference. Key attachments include the Statement of Work (SOW) with Appendix A (Sample Schedule and Curriculum), the Quotation (Business Volume) – Pricing Table Format, and NIH Invoice and Payment Instructions. The place of performance is Bethesda, MD, United States. The primary contact is PLUGGE, RIEKA N at rieka.plugge@nih.gov.