SSJ: NIH ORS OITT: Information Technology Support Services

The NIH Office of Research Services is procuring short-term information technology support services under the GSA Multiple Award Schedule contract GS-35F-003CA to ensure uninterrupted operation of critical systems while a competitive solicitation is developed. This task order, identified by solicitation number 75N98026F00149, has a three-month base period with three optional one-month extensions to accommodate potential delays in the competitive award process. The services are essential for maintaining 24/7/365 operations of NIH’s ICS/OT environments, including support for high-consequence research facilities like the Integrated Research Facility at Fort Detrick and the Rocky Mountain Laboratories, covering over 100 applications, 3,000 workstations, 400 servers, and 60 databases. The acquisition is justified as a sole source under GSAM/R 538.7104-3(b)(1)(i) due to unusual urgency, where following normal competitive procedures would cause unacceptable service disruptions. The contractor must provide immediate access to qualified personnel with specialized expertise in network and cloud operations, cybersecurity, application hosting, service desk functions, and asset management, all requiring PIV credentials for access to secure federal facilities. Performance is limited to Bethesda, Maryland, and the contract is structured as a firm-fixed-price task order under the small business set-aside GSA MAS Schedule 54151HACS SB. No pricing, line-item, or cost breakdowns are disclosed, but the award is determined to represent best value using pre-negotiated GSA Schedule rates deemed fair and reasonable. Special requirements include adherence to federal IT standards through operational continuity, SOP documentation, and immediate response capabilities, with no formal evaluation factors or detailed inspection criteria specified beyond compliance with GSA and FAR authorities.