Transfer of Macaques to Born Free USA Sanctuary
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 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) intends to award a sole source firm fixed-price contract to Born Free USA Primate Sanctuary for the transfer and lifetime care of up to 162 macaques. This action is justified under FAR 6.103-1 (Only one responsible source) and FAR 6.103-2 (Unusual and compelling urgency) due to the immediate need to rehome the animals from unsuitable research facilities. Responses from other interested parties will be considered if received by May 28, 2026.
Scope of Work
The selected vendor will be responsible for:
- Securing permanent, humane, and compliant housing for up to 162 non-human primates (NHPs).
- Taking full ownership and providing comprehensive lifetime care, including full veterinary oversight and chronic disease management.
- Implementing structured social group formation and behavioral rehabilitation.
- Ensuring facilities are GFAS-accredited and comply with the Animal Welfare Act and other relevant standards.
- Managing the seamless and humane transfer of animals, adhering to all state and federal transport regulations.
Contract Details & Justification
- Type: Sole Source Firm Fixed-Price Contract (Notice of Intent to Award)
- Proposed Contractor: Born Free USA Primate Sanctuary
- Justification: Market research identified Born Free USA as the only GFAS-accredited source capable of meeting CDC's combined requirements for accreditation, species expertise, capacity, and an expedited performance schedule. The urgency stems from the animals' current unsuitable living conditions at CDC, which are designed for quarantine/research, not long-term sanctuary care. Born Free USA's ability to construct additional enclosures within 12 weeks and facilitate phased transport aligns with CDC's critical timeline, which other options could not meet. A competitive procurement would cause detrimental delays to animal welfare.
- Product/Service Code: R416 - Veterinary/Animal Care Services
Response Information
This is not a request for competitive quotations. However, any quotations or responses received within 15 days of the notice's issuance (by 6:00 am EDT on May 28, 2026) will be considered by the government. Such responses will primarily inform whether a competitive procurement is feasible.
- Submission Email: xuy7@cdc.gov
- Contact: Jennifer Gartzke
Additional Notes
The place of performance is expected to be Silver Spring, MD, where Born Free USA Primate Sanctuary is located. The CDC aims to ensure the animals are transferred into naturalistic and enriched environments that support their physical and behavioral health as soon as possible.