R416--Veterinarian Services for Research Pre-solicitation Notice with Intent to Sole Source
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 Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) intends to award a sole source contract to Krista Gibbs, DVM LLC, for specialized veterinary research services at the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System (VAPHS) animal research program. This is a pre-solicitation notice, not a solicitation, indicating the VA's intent to negotiate a five-year contract. Interested parties may contact the Contracting Officer.
Scope of Work
The required services include:
- Providing veterinary care for animals housed for research at VAPHS.
- Directing the animal research facility's operation to ensure high quality and compliance with current animal welfare regulations and policies.
- Serving as the Attending Veterinarian, assuming related regulatory responsibilities, including IACUC appointment and involvement.
- Conducting regular, documented on-site visits to the animal facility (average of twice per week).
- Supporting VAPHS researchers and staff in specialized techniques (training), experimental design, protocol writing, reviews, and approvals.
- Establishing, implementing, and/or regularly reviewing a quality control program for rodent colonies.
- Directing and/or delegating authority and responsibility for activities involving animals at VAPHS.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Intent to Sole Source (Pre-solicitation Notice)
- Duration: Five-year contract
- NAICS: 541940 (Veterinary Services) with a $10 million size standard
- PSC: R416 (Veterinary/Animal Care Services)
- Authority: FAR 6.103-1 (Only One Responsible Source)
- Response Due: March 5, 2026, 8:00 PM EST
- Published: February 27, 2026
Sole Source Justification
The VA intends to award to Krista Gibbs, DVM LLC, due to her extensive experience and specialized expertise in this area, as well as her ties to ongoing research projects requiring specific services. The VA states she is the only vendor capable of providing these specialized research services and animal care.
Action for Interested Parties
This is not a solicitation, and no solicitation will be posted to SAM.gov. Interested persons may contact the Contracting Officer, Ann Marie Stewart (annmarie.stewart@va.gov), regarding this procurement. The determination to conduct a competitive procurement based on responses is solely at the Contracting Officer's discretion.