Notice of Intent to Sole Source - ImageTwin

The National Institutes of Health is seeking to sole-source a one-year commercial software-as-a-service subscription to ImageTwin Enterprise from ImageTwin AI GmbH, a foreign vendor based in Vienna, Austria. This action, identified under solicitation number NIH-03385, is justified under FAR 6.302-1 due to the unique and proprietary nature of ImageTwin’s AI-powered scientific image integrity platform, which is the only solution capable of automatically detecting image duplication, manipulation, falsification, and AI-generated content in scientific publications using validated algorithms. The service supports critical NIH research integrity functions including manuscript clearance and misconduct reviews, with required capabilities including unlimited image scans, enterprise-wide access, Single Sign-On integration, API connectivity, secure private storage totaling 125 GB, and downloadable forensic reports—all delivered without customization or development. The estimated contract value is between $32,200 and $33,493.95, structured as a firm-fixed-price purchase order with performance expected from June 18, 2026, through June 17, 2027, at the NIH facility in Bethesda, Maryland. No competitive solicitation, evaluation factors, or weighting system is utilized, as the procurement relies solely on the vendor’s exclusive technological capability to maintain operational continuity and avoid significant schedule risk from revalidation, retraining, and workflow disruption. The vendor’s foreign status renders U.S. socioeconomic set-asides inapplicable, and no CAGE code or UEI is required or provided. Data handling restrictions apply to all uploaded images to ensure compliance with NIH security policies, and no physical delivery, packaging, or military standards are relevant. Submission of a capability statement demonstrating alignment with technical requirements is required by June 17, 2026, though no formal proposal format, page limits, or submission portal are specified. Although the contracting office is identified as NIH’s Division of Simplified Acquisition Policy & Services, no contracting officer, technical representative, or payment details are included, reflecting the streamlined nature of this simplified acquisition.