Notice of Intent to Sole Source - Clinical Research Support Services for NIEHS – Contract HHSN273201600002I – Extension of Ordering Period for IDIQ Contract
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 Environmental Health Services (NIEHS), has issued a Notice of Intent to Sole Source a contract modification. This action aims to extend the ordering period for the existing Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract HHSN273201600002I with Social & Scientific Systems, Inc. (SSS), DLH, LLC. The purpose is to ensure continuity of mission-critical clinical research support services while NIH plans for a future re-competition. This is not a solicitation for competitive proposals.
Scope of Work
The extension will allow the incumbent contractor to continue providing comprehensive clinical, scientific, technical, regulatory, data management, and programmatic support services for the NIEHS Clinical Research Program (CRP). Key services include:
- Study Planning and Support (administrative, scientific, clinical, technical)
- Study Initiation and Regulatory Support (coordination, submissions, compliance)
- Subject Identification, Recruitment, and Retention
- Clinical Trial Operations and Data Collection
- Specimen Collection, Processing, and Laboratory Support
- Data Management, Statistical Analysis, and Reporting
Contract Details
- Type: IDIQ Contract Modification (Sole Source)
- Extension Period: Twenty-four (24) months, from May 23, 2026, to May 23, 2028
- Authority: 41 U.S.C. §3304(a)(1) and FAR 6.302-1
- Product Service Code: AJ11 (General Science And Technology R&D Services; Basic Research)
- Place of Performance: Silver Spring, MD, United States
Submission & Response
This is not a solicitation, and no proposals will be accepted. However, interested parties who believe they possess a bona fide capability to fulfill this requirement and that competition would be advantageous may submit a capability statement.
- Submission Deadline: March 19, 2026, by 4:00 p.m. EDT
- Submission Method: Email capability statements to Sarah Bank (sarah.bank@nih.gov) and Lisa Schaupp (lisa.schaupp@nih.gov).
- The government will not be responsible for any costs incurred by respondents.
Notes
The government has determined that awarding this extension to the incumbent is necessary due to their extensive institutional knowledge, specialized expertise, and demonstrated ability. Transitioning services to a new contractor at this time would result in significant disruption to ongoing clinical research, subject safety, and data integrity.