Operation and Maintenance of the Chimpanzee Care Center (CCC)
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) has published a Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition (JOFOC) for the continued Operation and Maintenance of the Chimpanzee Care Center (CCC). This action proposes a 90-day extension to an existing Cost-Reimbursement contract (75N97021C00001) with the University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, increasing its value by an estimated $402,667.
Purpose & Justification
The NIH requires this extension to ensure continuous, lifetime care for 30-40 aged NIH-owned chimpanzees that cannot be relocated to a Federal Sanctuary due to significant health risks. The justification cites "unusual and compelling urgency" due to unavoidable delays in completing the follow-on procurement. These delays are attributed to federal workforce reductions, acquisition staff restructuring, and consolidation of operations. The University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center is identified as uniquely qualified due to their exclusive capabilities and long-term expertise with this specific chimpanzee colony, making a transition to a new contractor risky for animal welfare and continuity of care.
Scope of Work
The contractor is responsible for:
- Operating and maintaining the Chimpanzee Care Center (CCC).
- Providing care for 30-40 aged chimpanzees with complex health issues and comorbidities.
- Implementing routine monitoring and medical management focused on animal quality of life.
- Safely handling animals exposed to viruses (e.g., Hepatitis B or C) and other blood-borne pathogens.
Contract Details
- Contract Type: Cost-Reimbursement (modification)
- Current Contract Number: 75N97021C00001
- Original Period of Performance: December 1, 2020 - November 30, 2025
- Current Extension: Six-month extension, revised completion date of May 31, 2026
- Proposed Extension: 90 days
- Period of Performance for Proposed Extension: June 1, 2026 - August 31, 2026
- Estimated Increase for 90-day extension: $402,667
- Total Obligated Amount (current contract): $8,280,890.87
- Set-Aside: Not applicable, this is a sole-source modification.
- Place of Performance: Texas (77030)
Additional Notes
This is a modification to an existing contract and not a new solicitation for proposals. The CHIMP Act mandates lifetime care for retired chimpanzees. For inquiries, contact Aytaj Vily at aytaj.vily@nih.gov.