Animal Bedding

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is issuing a sources sought notice, solicitation number PCA-NIEHS-10698, to identify capable small business concerns for the acquisition and delivery of screened hardwood laboratory animal bedding. The bedding will support the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. The proposed contract structure consists of one base year and four optional ordering periods, with an anticipated period of performance from June 16, 2027, to June 15, 2032, and a possible six-month extension. Deliveries are estimated every 8 to 10 weeks, with each order consisting of one truckload of approximately 1,300 bags, each weighing 25 lbs. The bedding must be produced from raw beech, birch, or maple wood and adhere to strict quality standards, including less than 0.1% dust by weight, a maximum of 12% moisture, and specific particle size requirements. Packaging must feature two-wall autoclavable paper construction with secure closures and no corrosive staples or adhesive tape. Delivery is FOB Destination, and the contractor must provide microbial and chemical contaminant certifications prior to each shipment. The government is specifically seeking capabilities from 8(a), SDB, WOSB, HUBZone, and VOSB small businesses. Interested parties must submit a capability statement not exceeding seven pages to Lynda Cole by November 6, 2026.