NIH Tetramer Core 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 Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), has issued a Small Business Sources Sought notice to identify qualified small businesses for the NIH Tetramer Core Facility contract. This facility provides synthesis and distribution of soluble MHC tetramer reagents to the global research community. This is not a solicitation for proposals, but rather market research to determine the appropriate acquisition method and potential set-asides. Capability statements are due by February 6, 2026.
Scope of Work
The contractor will be responsible for:
- Providing a tetramer production facility.
- Establishing a distribution, tracking, and reporting system for reagents.
- Designing and maintaining a NIH Tetramer Core Facility website.
- Providing program management for the Tetramer Core Facility.
This effort is estimated to require 9 Full-Time Equivalents (FTEs) per year.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought (Market Research)
- Anticipated Contract Type: Cost-reimbursement, Term (Level of Effort)
- Anticipated Duration: One-year base period plus six (6) one-year options, for a total possible period of performance of seven (7) years.
- Estimated Start Date: Approximately March 21, 2027.
- Set-Aside: This is a Small Business Sources Sought notice to determine potential set-asides.
- Response Due: February 6, 2026, by 4:00 PM EST.
- Published: January 21, 2026.
Information Sought
Interested small businesses must submit a capability statement (not exceeding 5 pages, excluding resumes) demonstrating experience, qualifications, and ability. Key areas include:
- Relevant Experience: Prior work in centralized reagent production, scientific core facilities, or immunological research.
- Key Personnel Qualifications: Expertise directly related to required tasks, including resumes for Principal Investigator and Facility Manager.
- Facilities, Resources, and Capacity: Description of laboratory facilities, equipment, IT systems, and personnel.
- Demonstrated Ability to Perform: Evidence of operational, technical, and management capabilities.
- Technical and Operational Capabilities: Experience in production, QC, documentation, distribution of MHC multimer reagents; secure database management; public-facing website development; technology transfer; and safety practices.
Required business information includes DUNS, Company Name, Address, POC, GSA Schedules/GWACs, approved accounting system status, and company type (validated via SAM.gov).
Additional Notes
This notice does not obligate the Government to award a contract. Responses will assist in determining the appropriate acquisition method. No proprietary, classified, confidential, or sensitive information should be included.