Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) on behalf of The Office of Science Policy (OSP), intends to negotiate with the National Academy of Sciences (500 Fifth Street NW Washington, DC 20001) to modify their existing sole source IDIQ contract HHSN263201800029I to increase the overall contract ceiling by an amount up to $25,908,193 (funded on an individual task order basis) under the authority of FAR 6.302-1. The period of performance ends on July 22, 2023. No other source is able to provide these services without causing unacceptable delays to the Government in fulfilling the agency's requirements. Contract HHSN263201800029I for Studies and Activities Relevant to Biomedical Science provides the following services to the National Institutes of Health (NIH): In-depth studies, which may focus on either issues of topical interest or long-range concerns of the biomedical research community, and will result in specific fundings and recommendations to the NIH. Congressionally mandated studies or reviews (FAR 6.302-5 (c )(1)(iii)(B) Policy reviews, Evaluation studies, Surveys, and Program assessments specific to NIH Conferences, Symposia, Seminars, and Workshops Long Standing and well-established Forums, Roundtables, Boards, and Core Support This proposed increase in the level of effort is based on the following: 1) Increased Number of Congressional Mandates - since the contract was awarded in 2018 there has been a steady increase in the number of Congressionally Mandated and - hot topic projects each year and funding must be in place to support these awards. 2) NIH Leadership - The OSP in the Office of the Director advises the NIH Director on matters of significance to the agency, the research community, and the public. NAS studies assist OSP, the NIH Director and other NIH Institutes with policy development and initiatives related to progress in the biomedical research enterprise. In support of the NIH mission adequate funding will need to be available on the contract to comply with NIH Leadership study requests with NAS. 3) FY22 Awards - in addition to the pending Congressional Mandates and expected new awards the current contract ceiling will be reached by the end of April 2022. It is therefore imperative NIH has the authority to proceed with the ceiling increase modification for immediate use and flexibility. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS OR QUOTATIONS. However, all responsible sources may submit a capability statement which shall be considered by the agency. Any capability statements submitted as a result of this notice must be submitted not later than March 4, 2022 by 4:00 pm Eastern. Capability statements will not be returned and will not be accepted after the due date. A determination by the Government not to compete as a result of information received is solely within the discretion of the Government. All inquiries and concerns must be addressed in writing to: Susan Apter, Contracting Officer at email: apters@od.nih.gov. Telephone and facsimile requests will not be accepted.