Whole Room Calorimeter Validation and Support
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 Institutes of Health (NIH), specifically the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), intends to procure Whole Room Calorimeter Validation and Support services on a sole source basis from MEI Research. This is a combined synopsis/solicitation (RFQ #75N94026Q00045) for commercial items, not set aside for small business. Interested parties capable of providing these services must submit their capabilities by February 18, 2026, 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time.
Scope of Work
This acquisition is for validation, calibration, and technical support for metabolic chambers (respiration calorimeters) used in human metabolism research at NIDDK-Phoenix. Services include:
- Calibration of gas analyzers, gas blending systems, and mass flow controllers.
- System validation using controlled gas infusion to verify accurate measurement of oxygen consumption (VO₂) and carbon dioxide production (VCO₂).
- Ensuring calorimeter performance within accepted standards (±5%).
- Operator collaboration and training support during validation procedures.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Request for Quotation (RFQ), Firm-Fixed Price Purchase Order
- Authority: FAR Part 13 – Simplified Acquisition Procedures, Subpart 13.106-1(b)(1) (Soliciting from a single source)
- Duration: 12 months after award
- Set-Aside: None (explicitly stated as not set aside for small business)
- NAICS: 811210 ($34M size standard)
- Response Due: February 18, 2026, 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time
- Published: February 12, 2026
- Place of Performance: Phoenix, AZ
Justification & Response
MEI Research is the sole source due to their proprietary software, technical expertise, and having designed the custom laboratory and calorimeters for NIH/NIDDK-PHX. Use of an alternate provider would risk compromised accuracy, data integrity, and noncompliance with federal research standards. This notice is not a request for competitive proposals. However, interested parties may identify their interest and capability to respond. Responses will be considered solely to determine if a competitive procurement is feasible. All responses must be sent via email to robinsti@mail.nih.gov with solicitation #75N94026Q00045 in the subject line. Contractors must be registered in SAM.gov to be eligible for award.