Notice of Intent to Sole Source CAES Fall acaricide ticks and pollinators
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 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) intends to award a sole source contract to the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES) for research comparing synthetic acaricides' impacts on host-seeking ticks and non-target arthropods, including pollinators. This is a Notice of Intent to Sole Source, and interested parties can submit capabilities by June 26, 2026.
Scope of Work
This research project will evaluate synthetic acaricides applied as sprays versus granules, assessing their effects on host-seeking Ixodes scapularis ticks and beneficial insect pollinators in the fall and following spring. The work is a logical continuation of two prior CDC-funded contracts successfully completed by CAES, expanding the evaluation of synthetic acaricides and their environmental impacts.
Contract & Timeline
- Opportunity Type: Special Notice (Notice of Intent to Sole Source)
- Agency: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- NAICS: 541715 — Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
- Product Service Code: AJ12 - General Science And Technology R&D Services; General Science And Technology; Applied Research
- Set-Aside: None (Sole Source)
- Response Due: June 26, 2026, by 5:00 PM EST
- Published: June 11, 2026
Sole Source Justification
The CDC justifies this sole source award to CAES due to their unique position and direct involvement in two previous, related CDC-funded contracts that concluded in 2022 and another ending in 2026. CAES is the only entity capable of maintaining full continuity in location, methodology, and study design, which is essential for scientifically interpretable follow-up results. Changing these factors would render new findings incomparable to prior studies due to the significant influence of local environmental conditions on tick populations and acaricide performance. Another bidder was considered but deemed unsuitable due to geographic distance and proposed methodology that would not ensure scientific comparability.
Response Instructions
This notice is not a request for competitive quotations. However, the government will consider all responses received within 15 days of the notice's issuance (by June 26, 2026). Information received will be used to determine whether to conduct a competitive procurement. Responses should be emailed to the contract specialist, Iris Gonzalez, at qsx8@cdc.gov.