Assessment and Accreditation of IRB Animal Program

Notice of Intent to Sole Source for Assessment and Accreditation of IRB Animal Program

(NIH-SS-7330176)

The National Institutes of Health intends to award a Firm-Fixed-Price purchase order to AAALAC Int’l.  AAALAC Int’l UEI is Y5A5GKHKR8H6.

In accordance with FAR Part 6.302-1, AAALAC the Contractor is the only known responsible  source who can provide the item that meets our standards. No other source has been identified who can provide the requirement listed below.

The requirement will provide assessment and accreditation of the NIH IRP animal program. This will allow the NIH IRP to remain in compliance with the requirements of NIH Policy Manual Chapter 3040-2, Animal Care and Use in the IRP, which requires full accreditation by AAALAC International. Every three years, a team of 12 experts (i.e., Site Visitors) visit the IRP Bethesda campus for a period of five days to provide a comprehensive review of all components of the Bethesda-based IRP animal research program. This includes meeting with the 16 animal care and use programs, Animal Care and Use Committee members, and leadership; and conducting walkthroughs of all affiliated animal holding facilities and investigator laboratories where research animals are held or used. Accreditation status is maintained between site visits by ongoing internal assessments of the program and submission of an Annual Report to AAALAC International. The next site visit will take place in 2027 and will be financed incrementally through annual dues.

This notice is not a request for competitive quotes.  AAALAC Int’l is the manufacturer.  However, any available small businesses (e.g., 8(a), service-disabled veteran owned small business, HUBZone small business, small disadvantaged business, veteran-owned small business, and women-owned small business) as stated herein may submit a written capability statement that clearly supports and demonstrates their ability to perform the requirement. A determination by the Government to compete this proposed award based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government.

It is anticipated that an award will be issued approximately ten (10) days after the date of this notice unless the Government determines that another organization has the capability to meet this requirement.

Please email responses to Lynda.Cole@nih.gov no later than 12:00 p.m. EST on Monday, February 24, 2026.