Standardized Micro- and Nano- Plastics
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 Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H), specifically its Health Science Futures Office (HSF), has issued a Sources Sought notice to gauge industry interest and capabilities in providing standardized micro- and nanoplastics (MNP). This market research aims to support ARPA-H's technology research and development activities. Responses are due by March 24, 2026.
Scope of Work
ARPA-H is seeking MNP materials with specific attributes, including:
- Size Distribution: Statistical distribution centering at ~150 nm, with options for three categories: < 200 nm, 200 nm-1 µm, and 1 µm-5 µm.
- Shape: Irregular, non-spherical, with an option for fibers.
- Chemical Composition: Each sample should contain only one MNP type (e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene), with options for polymers such as PE, PP, PVC, PET, nylon 6, PMMA, PU, and SBR.
- Additives: Standard consumer product additives are acceptable, with an option to minimize additives or use weathered materials.
- Quantity: 5-10 grams annually for 5 years.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Market Research
- Published Date: March 12, 2026
- Response Due: March 24, 2026, by 3:00 PM Eastern
- Set-Aside: None specified (this is a market research notice)
- Agency: Department of Health and Human Services / National Institutes of Health / ARPA-H
Submission & Evaluation
Responses are for market research purposes only to assess technical capabilities. Interested parties must provide:
- Entity name, point of contact, CAGE Code, Unique Entity ID, and DUNS Number.
- Business size, type, applicable socioeconomic categories, and employee count relative to proposed NAICS Codes (326199, 325211, or 541713).
- A concise technical description of capabilities, including MNP synthesis/manufacturing, characterization methods, and R&D timelines.
- Indication of intent to respond to a future RFP as prime or subcontractor, and subcontracting possibilities.
- Details of at least two relevant past contracts (within 36 months) or performance summaries, and any active U.S. Government contracts.
- A rough annual cost estimate and an indication of provision speed post-award. Responses must not exceed 3 pages, single-spaced, 12-point font, with 1-inch margins. Submissions should be sent electronically to elaine.wong@arpa-h.gov with the subject "Microplastics Sources Sought 75N992-26-SS-104".
Eligibility / Important Notes
Proposed NAICS Codes include 326199 (All Other Plastics Product Manufacturing, 750 employees), 325211 (Plastics Material and Resin Manufacturing, 1,250 employees), and 541713 (Research and Development in Nanotechnology, 1,000 employees). This is a voluntary announcement for planning purposes and does not constitute a formal solicitation. The Government will not acknowledge submissions, provide feedback, or reimburse costs. Proprietary information must be clearly marked.