Justification and Approval (J&A) Summary

This document is a Justification and Approval (J&A) supporting a sole-source award for Research and Development services under 41 U.S.C. 253(c)(3)(B), FAR 6.302-1(b)(1)(i). The Department of Health and Human Services/National Institutes of Health (HHS/NIH) seeks to continue the Chemistry Center for Combating Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria (CC4CARB) contract with RTI International (RFP No. 75N93024R00022). The estimated new cost for the first five years is $25,000,000 with an additional $3,000,000 for the final three years, totaling $28,000,000 in addition to already obligated funds under the current contract. The performance period runs from February 1, 2021 through January 31, 2026, with three one-year option periods available to maintain and distribute the CC4CARB collection without adding new compounds.

The J&A justifies sole-source procurement by demonstrating RTI International possesses unique capabilities to synthesize and deliver rationally designed compound libraries targeting Gram-negative antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The justification documents substantial duplicative costs ($3.6 million) and 9-12 months of preventable delays if awarded to another contractor, including rebuilding website infrastructure ($250,000; 6 months), relationships with collaborators ($500,000; 1+ year), scientific advisory board ($100,000; 3 months), existing library ($250,000-$500,000; 6 months), and productivity delays ($2,250,000; 9 months). Market research conducted through a Small Business Sources Sought notice (June 17, 2024) and presolicitation notice (October 17, 2024) with response deadline of November 1, 2024 confirmed no other contractors possess equivalent capability. The contract addresses the critical global health need for new antibacterial drug discovery through continued library design, compound synthesis, and compound management services.