JA.pdf

This is a Justification and Approval (J&A) document for a sole source contract award under the Revolutionary Federal Acquisition Regulation (RFO) Overhaul.

The Defense Health Agency Contracting Activity (DHACA) is awarding a Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract to Instem LLC (formerly Xytion Corporation) for software license renewals and maintenance and support services for the Pristima XD Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). The United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID) at Fort Detrick, Maryland requires continued use of Pristima XD to support its Pathology Division protocol work and maintain data repositories for Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and non-GLP histopathology research. The contract is a new Base plus four option year (5-year) follow-on to existing award GS-35F-120CA/HT942524F0275, with the base period running from September 13, 2026 through September 12, 2027, followed by four one-year option periods through September 12, 2031. All periods are RDT&E Reimbursable funding.

The sole source justification is based on Instem's status as the exclusive developer, manufacturer, and distributor of Pristima XD software with all proprietary rights. USAMRIID determined that transitioning to alternative platforms would compromise research data continuity and scientific validity. Market research conducted in March-April 2026 confirmed Pristima XD is a proprietary commercial service available to the general public. A Notice of Intent to Sole Source was posted on SAM.gov on June 3, 2026 for 15 days with no capability statements received. Contractor services include software license renewals, version upgrades, vulnerability patches, Help Desk support, and all necessary maintenance of previously purchased Pristima XD modules.