Selective mrna-LNP engineering for cost-effective in situ car t-cell programming
Active Other Transaction Agreement Awarded Last action
- Contract number
- 140D042590027
- Awardee
-
Kernal Biologics, Inc. UEI KBUYMLQEJCE3
- Awarding agency
-
Interior Business Center
Office of Policy Management and Budget, Department of the Interior
- Obligated
- $18,177,254
Award facts
- Contract value 38% obligated
-
- $18,177,254.00 Current, with exercised options
- $48,003,660.00 Potential, with all options
- Completion date 18% complete
-
- Current, with exercised options
- Potential, with all options
- Funding agency
- National Institutes of Health Department of Health and Human Services
- NAICS code
- Not on record
- Set-aside
- No set-aside
- Competition
- Competed Program Solicitation
- Pricing
- Other
- Place of performance
- Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
Award details come from SAM.gov/FPDS.
Transactions
| Action | Obligated | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Other Administrative Action | $0 | |
| Original award | $18,177,254 |
About this award
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has awarded an Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) valued at $48M to Kernal Biologics, Inc., a Cambridge, Massachusetts-based biotechnology firm, for selective mRNA-lipid nanoparticle (LNP) engineering aimed at cost-effective in situ CAR T-cell programming. The contract, awarded on September 16, 2025, extends through September 15, 2031, and represents a non-traditional acquisition vehicle that allows the NIH greater flexibility in structuring terms and conditions. This award was made without a set-aside designation, meaning competition was open to all eligible vendors. The project addresses a critical need in cell-based immunotherapy by developing optimized mRNA-LNP formulations that could enable CAR T-cell reprogramming directly within patients, potentially reducing manufacturing complexity and costs associated with traditional ex vivo CAR T production.
This contract aligns with the NIH's broader investment in innovative cancer immunotherapy and regenerative medicine approaches. By focusing on cost-effective in situ CAR T-cell programming, Kernal Biologics is expected to advance the translational potential of RNA-based therapeutic technologies, which have demonstrated significant promise in recent years. The extended six-year performance period reflects the substantial research and development effort required to optimize LNP delivery systems and establish manufacturing scalability for clinical applications. The use of an OTA structure suggests the government anticipates iterative development and potential pivots based on technical progress throughout the contract period.
Quick answers
Who was awarded contract 140D042590027?
140D042590027 was awarded to Kernal Biologics, Inc. by Interior Business Center (Office of Policy Management and Budget) on September 16, 2025.
How much is contract 140D042590027 worth?
The government has obligated $18,177,254 on 140D042590027. Its potential value, with all options, is $48,003,660.
Which agency awarded contract 140D042590027?
Interior Business Center (Office of Policy Management and Budget) awarded 140D042590027, with funding from National Institutes of Health (Department of Health and Human Services).
Was contract 140D042590027 competed?
The extent of competition for 140D042590027 was competed.
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