NCATS Research Services Core (RSC) Limited Specialized Scientific Services

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), has issued a Firm-Fixed-Price task order under solicitation 26-000049 for the NCATS Research Services Core (RSC) Limited Specialized Scientific Services. This is a sole-source award made on a limited source basis via GSA Federal Supply Schedules to the incumbent vendor. The contract is a critical 90-day bridge extension designed to prevent a lapse in essential services and protect over 100 million dollars in government assets and hazardous chemical repositories while the government prepares for full and open competition. Performance takes place primarily in Rockville, Maryland, specifically within NIH Building 33, which houses BSL-3 laboratory operations. The scope of work is divided into two primary task areas: Scientific and Technical Support Services and Facilities and Equipment Maintenance. Key responsibilities include managing an inventory of over 500,000 chemicals and 800 DEA-controlled substances, maintaining 135 pieces of high-value non-commercial instrumentation, and managing biological samples and cell lines. The contractor must provide a specialized team of 11 personnel, including biomedical engineers and laboratory automation experts, who are certified to work in BSL-3 facilities and handle HHS Select Toxins. Due to the highly specialized nature of the equipment and the risks associated with hazardous materials, the incumbent was determined to be the only technically acceptable source capable of maintaining these operations without disrupting critical research.