NOI-Lab Express.docx

Notice of Intent to Sole Source for Ongoing Drosophila Food Regimen

(NIH-SS-7386935)

The National Institutes of Health intends to award a Firm-Fixed-Price purchase order to Lab Express LLC. Lab Express LLC. UEI is FNLUX6K9RWS4.

In accordance with FAR Part 6.302-1, Lab Express LLC. the Contractor is the only known responsible source who can provide the item that meets our standards. No other source has been identified who can provide the requirement listed below in the delivery timeframe specified.

The DIR is in need of precisely formulated food to administer to its Drosophila populations. Drosophila are used in many cross-sectional, longitudinal and case-control studies throughout the DIR. As a result, Drosophila must receive consistent nourishment so as to prevent variance in studies. Specifically, the DIR requires weekly shipments of food in addition to ad-hoc/emergency shipments upon request.

Research conducted at the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute’s Division of Intramural Research (DIR) involves the use of Drosophila (the common fruit fly). Drosophila is considered a model organism in the field of biology as its genetic makeup closely mirrors that of humans. By closely studying the Drosophila in controlled experiments, researchers are able to anticipate how various diseases and their antidotes are manifest in human populations on a cellular level. As such, the Drosophila presents a unique opportunity to DIR researchers who seek to better understand the effects of cardiovascular diseases and sleep disorders in humans.

In order to ensure repeatable data from experiments involving Drosophila, DIR researchers must maintain a highly controlled environment in which to observe the flies. One major environmental factor is diet. Current Drosophila colonies under observation are extremely sensitive to even the slightest alterations in diet. It is therefore imperative that these Drosophila receive precise formulas according to the needs of the experiments.

Research conducted at the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute’s Division of Intramural Research (DIR) involves the use of Drosophila (the common fruit fly). In order to obtain consistent, repeatable data from long-term experiments involving Drosophila, DIR researchers must maintain a highly controlled environment in which to observe the flies. One major environmental factor influencing experimental outcomes is diet. Current Drosophila colonies under observation are extremely sensitive to even the slightest alterations in diet. Lab Express LLC. has been the supplier of fly food to the 5 DIR research labs since FY17.

This requirement is for a base plus four options. The p.o.p for all five years is 9/29/26 – 9/28/31.

This notice is not a request for competitive quotes. Lab Express LLC is the manufacturer. However, any available small businesses (e.g., 8(a), service-disabled veteran owned small business, HUBZone small business, small disadvantaged business, veteran-owned small business, and women-owned small business) as stated herein may submit a written capability statement that clearly supports and demonstrates their ability to perform the requirement. A determination by the Government to compete this proposed award based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government.

It is anticipated that an award will be issued approximately ten (10) days after the date of this notice unless the Government determines that another organization has the capability to meet this requirement.

Please email responses to Lynda.Cole@nih.gov no later than 10:00 a.m. EST on Friday May 8, 2026.