Notice of Intent to Sole Source to Fisher Scientific Company LLC for Culture Media, Various Reagents, and Supplies
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), Clinical Center, intends to award a firm-fixed-price sole-source contract to Fisher Scientific Company LLC for culture media, various reagents, and laboratory supplies. This notice is for informational purposes only and is not a request for quotations.
Purpose & Justification
The Department of Laboratory Medicine (DLM), Microbiology Service, requires these supplies to support clinical patient testing at the NIH Clinical Center. The sole-source justification is based on the laboratory's standardization of testing procedures with specific Fisher Scientific products, which have undergone required clinical validations compliant with CMS regulations, CLIA requirements, and IQCPs. Alternatives have shown variable performance, and consistent product quality is critical for regulatory compliance and reliable diagnostic results.
Scope of Work
The contractor will provide culture media, reagents, and laboratory supplies on an as-needed basis. Key requirements include:
- Technical support for all reagents and supplies.
- Provision of the same lot release per order (when requested) and the latest available expiration dates.
- Timely supply and delivery.
- Verification with the Microbiology Service for partial shipments.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Firm-Fixed-Price, Sole-Source (under FAR 13.106-1(b)(1) for Simplified Acquisitions).
- Anticipated Period of Performance:
- Base Year: March 20, 2026 – September 30, 2026
- Option Year 1: October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027
- Option Year 2: October 1, 2027 – September 30, 2028
- Set-Aside: None specified (Sole Source).
- Response Due: March 17, 2026, at 12:30 AM EST.
- Published: March 10, 2026.
Response & Evaluation
While this is not a request for quotations, interested parties may submit capability statements demonstrating their ability to provide equivalent products. Capability statements must clearly show the ability to:
- Provide validated clinical microbiology culture media and reagents suitable for CLIA-regulated testing.
- Maintain consistent lot quality and manufacturing controls.
- Ensure reliable supply and timely delivery.
- Offer technical support.
The Government will evaluate received capability statements, but the decision not to compete this requirement remains at its sole discretion.
Contact Information
Shasheshe Goolsby Email: shasheshe.goolsby@nih.gov