Cryo-EM Operator Training Program Delivery

The National Institutes of Health is seeking a contractor to deliver a comprehensive training program for its staff on the operation of transmission electron microscopes with a focus on cryogenic techniques and advanced software workflows. The program will cover critical operational skills including the proper use of cryo-shields, safe and effective specimen handling, automated alignment procedures, and the execution of specialized software functions such as montaging, correlative light and electron microscopy, and LookBack features. Training must be tailored to NIH personnel with varying levels of experience, ensuring proficiency in both equipment operation and data acquisition protocols essential for high-resolution cryo-electron microscopy research. The contract is classified as a subcontract under NAICS code 611430 and is set for performance in Bethesda, Maryland, with a response deadline of July 17, 2026. The solicitation does not specify a set-aside designation or point of contact, and the posting date indicates the opportunity was made available on July 7, 2026. This initiative aims to enhance the technical capabilities of NIH staff to support cutting-edge structural biology research, requiring the contractor to provide hands-on, in-person instruction aligned with current best practices in cryo-electron microscopy. All training elements must be delivered efficiently and effectively to meet the operational needs of the NIH’s research infrastructure.