Limited Source Justification - NCATS Scientific and Technology Program Support (STPS)

SOL #: GS-35F-023GA_75N95025F00061JustificationSole Source

Overview

Buyer

Health And Human Services

National Institutes Of Health

NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH NIDA

Bethesda, MD, 20892, United States

Place of Performance

Bethesda, MD

NAICS

Other Computer Related Services (541519)

PSC

Other Professional Services (R499)

Set Aside

Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5) (SBA)

Original Source

https://sam.gov/opp/15366b486659436a8a34db37159fcd3f/view

Timeline

Posted

Feb 25, 2026

Last Updated

Mar 9, 2026

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), specifically the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), has issued a Limited Source Justification for a modification to an existing Task Order (75N95025F00061) with Axle Informatics, LLC. This modification adds a six-month option period, extending performance through September 9, 2026, and increases the not-to-exceed cost ceiling by approximately $9.96 million, bringing the total ceiling to $30.78 million.

Scope of Work

The justification details the continued need for comprehensive support for NCATS' integrated scientific environment. This includes critical services such as laboratory automation, computational tools, cybersecurity, and the integration of innovative technologies.

Contract & Timeline

Type: Limited Source Justification for a Task Order modification
Current Contractor: Axle Informatics, LLC (under GSA Contract GS-35-F023GA)
Modification Value: Increase of ~$9,958,847.00
New Total Ceiling: ~$30,775,693.40
Extension Period: Six months, through September 9, 2026
Published: March 9, 2026

Rationale for Sole-Source

The justification highlights Axle Informatics, LLC's unique qualifications and the impracticality of introducing a new contractor. Changing contractors is deemed likely to cause significant disruptions, delays, and a loss of critical expertise, which would negatively impact NCATS' scientific programs.

Future Opportunity

NCATS plans to re-compete these requirements as a Total Small Business Set-Aside under the GSA MAS Schedule. A new Task Order is anticipated by May 27, 2026. Potential bidders should review this justification to understand the scope and prepare for the upcoming competitive acquisition.