Risk Underlying Rural Areas Longitudinal (RURAL) Heart and Lung Study – Expansion Cohort
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 Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), has issued a Sources Sought Notice to identify qualified small businesses capable of serving as a study coordinating center for the Risk Underlying Rural Areas Longitudinal (RURAL) Heart and Lung Study – Expansion Cohort. This is a market survey, not a request for proposals, aimed at determining appropriate acquisition methods, including potential set-asides. Responses are due by May 27, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. EST.
Scope of Work
The RURAL Heart and Lung Study aims to expand its footprint into the U.S. Southern Plains region to increase representation of the rural population. The selected contractor will be responsible for designing and managing a longitudinal cohort study, including:
- Identifying 2-4 rural counties in the Southern Plains using comparable criteria to the original RURAL study.
- Procuring and managing mobile examination units for clinical examinations.
- Recruiting and enrolling participants (ages 25-64) and conducting follow-up contacts.
- Developing and maintaining web-based data collection systems and study databases.
- Establishing and maintaining biospecimen repositories.
- Implementing quality assurance and control programs.
- Conducting statistical analyses, preparing scientific publications, and mentoring early-stage investigators.
- Engaging communities to facilitate recruitment and retention.
Contract & Timeline
- Opportunity Type: Sources Sought / Market Research
- NAICS Code: 541715 – Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology).
- Anticipated Award Date: On or about May 2027.
- Anticipated Period of Performance: Four (4) years and four (4) months.
- Response Due: May 27, 2026, 3:00 p.m. EST.
- Published: May 12, 2026.
Eligibility & Submission
This notice is exclusively for small businesses that meet the size standard for NAICS code 541715. Interested firms must submit a Capability Statement (max 15 single-sided pages, 12-point font) addressing each project requirement. The statement should detail employee numbers, professional qualifications, facilities/equipment, and similar past research projects. Submissions must be sent electronically to John Lear (john.lear@nih.gov) and Melissa K. Ramos (melissa.ramos@nih.gov), referencing Sources Sought Notice number 75N98026R00074 in the subject line.
Important Notes
This notice does not guarantee a contract award and is for informational purposes only. Proprietary or confidential business data should not be submitted. Responses will not be considered adequate for a future solicitation/RFP.