Neuropathology Characterization for Brain Atlas Project | HHS NIH

Executive Summary

The National Institutes of Health is procuring neuropathology services for the Brain Atlas Project. This is a firm fixed price purchase order aimed at understanding Alzheimer's disease at the cellular level.

Key Requirements (Verbatim Excerpts)

• This acquisition is conducted under the authority of FAR 12.603, Streamlined Solicitation for Commercial Products or Commercial Services, and is not expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold.
• (vi) Delivery Location:
• Bethesda, MD 20892
• (viii) The provision at FAR 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors—Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition. Add any agency-specific instructions as required.
• (ix) The provision at FAR 52.212-2, Evaluation—Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition.
• Price Evaluation – Lowest Price Technically Acceptable – (LPTA)
• (c) A written notice of award or acceptance of an offer, issued within the time specified in the offer, shall result in a binding contract without further action by either party. The Government reserves the right to accept any offer before the expiration date.
• (x) Offerors shall include a completed copy of FAR 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications—Commercial Items, with their offer.
• (xi) FAR 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions—Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition.
• (xii) FAR 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders—Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition.

Scope & Requirements

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) requires neuropathology services support of the Brain Atlas project which was established in 2022. NIA’s Center for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias is working to better understand the differences between healthy brains and brains affected by Alzheimer’s disease at the cellular level. Researchers are working to create a human brain atlas or map of different brain cell types based on their gene activity. Researchers can use this atlas to investigate cell types present in brain regions affected in disease. Many different cells in a diseased brain experience change in their gene expression and downstream intracellular activities. The neuropathology analysis will lead to a better understanding of Alzheimer’s Disease and the prioritization of potential target genes, pathways, and future therapeutics.

Delivery Location:
NIH/NIA
9000 Rockville Pike RM 170
Bethesda, MD 20892
USA

Period of Performance: June 01, 2026 to May 30, 2027

Compliance & Qualifications

• FAR 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors—Commercial Items
• FAR 52.212-2, Evaluation—Commercial Items
• FAR 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications—Commercial Items
• FAR 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions—Commercial Items
• FAR 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders—Commercial Items

How to Prepare Your Bid

1. Ensure your proposal demonstrates technical acceptability, particularly in sample processing capabilities and digital imaging requirements.
2. Clearly outline your delivery schedule and compliance with deliverables to meet the evaluation criteria.
3. Include all required certifications and ensure your business is registered in the System for Award Management (SAM).

Why Small Businesses Should Consider This

This contract is a total small business set-aside under NAICS 621511, with a performance period from June 01, 2026, to May 30, 2027. The project focuses on neuropathology services critical for understanding Alzheimer’s disease, providing a unique opportunity for small businesses in the healthcare sector.