Research Swine
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 Defense Health Agency (DHA), specifically the U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research (USAISR), has awarded a sole-source Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) to Midwest Research Swine, LLC for the provision of research swine. This award, valued at $744,000.00 over five years, ensures the continuity and scientific integrity of critical research protocols. This is an Award Notice published on February 5, 2026.
Scope of Work
Midwest Research Swine, LLC will supply research swine for repetitive orders to support the USAISR's ongoing research. The primary requirement is for animals from a "High Health Status Herd" to ensure genetic consistency and high survival rates for surgical procedures.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sole Source Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA)
- Awarded To: Midwest Research Swine, LLC
- Period of Performance: January 14, 2026 - January 13, 2031 (5 years)
- Estimated Value: $744,000.00
- Funding Type: DHA RDTE
- Set-Aside: None (Sole Source under FAR Part 13.501, 41 U.S.C. 1901 and FAR 6.302-1)
- Award Notice Published: February 5, 2026
Rationale for Sole Source
The sole-source justification is based on several critical factors:
- Continuity of Research: Maintaining scientific integrity requires using animals from the same vendor to control genetic variability and compare current data with historical research.
- "High Health Status Herd" Designation: Midwest Research Swine, LLC possesses this crucial designation, which significantly improves the survival rate of animals undergoing complex surgical procedures essential for USAISR's research.
- Follow-on Action: This BPA is a continuation of previous sole-source contracts (W81XWH-15-A-0015 and W81XWH-21-A-0004) with the same vendor, supporting established research protocols.
Efforts to Obtain Competition
Market research included a Sources Sought Notice (HT9426-26-RFI-WS01) posted from November 21 to December 3, 2025, which yielded one unqualified response. A subsequent Notice of Intent (HT9426-26-NOI-WS01) posted from December 3 to December 18, 2025, received no responses. Market research also indicated that local vendors previously supplying similar animals had retired or faced herd health issues, limiting other qualified sources for USDA-registered swine with controlled genetic variability and "High Health" status.
Additional Notes
No subcontracting opportunities are expected under this BPA. For technical inquiries, contact Andy Shortall at william.a.shortall.civ@health.mil or 301-619-2212.