--Perform services in support of two research studies Medical Aspects for the Integration of Women in Combat Professions: and Imaging of Stress Fracture Using pQCT.

The U.S. Army Natick Contracting Division, acting on behalf of the United States Army Soldier Systems Center, intends to issue a sole source purchase order to Sheba Medical Center’s Heller Institute of Medical Research in Israel. This agreement, authorized under FAR 6.302-1, will facilitate services supporting two collaborative research studies with USARIEM. The studies focus on key military medical concerns: the integration of women in combat professions and the imaging of stress fractures using peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT). This procurement is not a solicitation and no proposal requests or competitive bidding will be conducted, with a notably short response time of seven days as stipulated. The contract, referenced by solicitation number USA-SNOTE-050307-002 and announced in early March 2005, operates under the Department of Defense through the Natick office located in Massachusetts. While specific NAICS codes and set-aside designations are not provided, the contract supports specialized medical research functions critical to advancing military personnel health and operational readiness. The performance location is not explicitly stated, emphasizing the partnership’s nature between the U.S. Army and the Israeli medical research institution. The arrangement underscores a focused collaboration on medically relevant projects without the formalities of a competitive solicitation process.