Acquisition of Specific Pathogen Free Live Animals

The National Research Council of Canada’s Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre has issued a solicitation for the supply of Specific Pathogen-Free laboratory animals, including mice, rats, hamsters, and rabbits, to support approved research protocols under a five-year standing offer running from May 2026 to March 31, 2031. The contract, identified by solicitation number 26-58014, is being awarded on a sole-source basis to Charles River Laboratories due to the necessity of maintaining consistent genetic and microbiome profiles essential for scientific continuity, a justification supported under subsection 6(d) of the Government Contracts Regulations and trade agreement exceptions including CFTA, CETA, CPTPP, and WTO-AGP. Animals must meet strict specifications regarding genotype, health status, sex, age, weight, and pregnancy status, and must be bred and housed in full compliance with Canadian Council on Animal Care guidelines. Each shipment must be accompanied by current health certification, with failure to meet requirements triggering replacement or credit obligations. The contract has an estimated total value of $1,250,000 CAD, though no detailed pricing structure or line-item breakdown is provided. Performance is required within the National Capital Region, with inspections and acceptance conducted upon delivery at the NRC facility. No formal FAR clauses, packaging standards, MIL-STD requirements, or invoicing procedures are specified, leaving operational details to the supplier's standard practices or separate protocols. All submissions must be sent electronically to Isabelle Fortin, Senior Contracting Officer, by the deadline of May 26, 2026, and evaluation is based solely on pass/fail compliance with minimum essential requirements for SPF certification, CCAC compliance, and capacity to deliver the specified animal models.