Notice of Intent to Sole Source – Cytiva
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) intends to award a firm fixed-price sole source purchase order to Global Life Sciences Solutions USA LLC (doing business as Cytiva) for a SmartRedux Sepax 2 protocol software upgrade. This upgrade is for Sepax C-PRO equipment used in manufacturing research and development of cell-based therapies. This is a notice of intent, not a request for quotation. Interested parties may identify their interest and capabilities by March 26, 2026, at 11 AM EST.
Scope of Work
This acquisition is for the SmartRedux Sepax 2 protocol software upgrade for the Sepax C-PRO equipment. The equipment is critical for manufacturing research and development of cell-based therapies for patients enrolled in NIH-sponsored clinical trials at the NIH Clinical Center (CC).
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Fixed-Price Purchase Order (Sole Source)
- Intended Awardee: Global Life Sciences Solutions USA LLC (Cytiva)
- Set-Aside: None (Sole Source)
- NAICS Code: 512310 – Software Publishers
- Product Service Code: 6515 – Medical And Surgical Instruments, Equipment, And Supplies
- Place of Performance: Bethesda, MD 20892 USA
- Response Due: March 26, 2026, 11 AM EST
- Published: March 19, 2026
Evaluation
This is a notice of intent to sole source; a solicitation will not be issued. The Government's determination not to compete this requirement is solely at its discretion, based on responses to this notice.
Additional Notes
The sole source justification is that Cytiva is the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and sole distributor of their equipment and supplies. Furthermore, FDA mandates that all repairs and maintenance be carried out by qualified technicians, and Cytiva/Global Life Sciences Solutions USA LLC is identified as the only source of technicians qualified to service these devices and upgrade their software. This acquisition is being conducted under FAR Part 13 – Simplified Acquisition Procedures, Subpart 13.106-1(b)(1).
Contact: Kristin Nagashima, Contract Specialist, via email at Kristin.nagashima@nih.gov.