Signed_LSJ_NCATS (redacted).pdf

This is a Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) Sole-Source Justification for a task order modification under the General Services Administration (GSA) contract.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Office of Acquisition and Logistics Management seeks to modify Task Order No. 75N95025F00061 under GSA Contract No. GS-35-F023GA with Axle Informatics, LLC. The modification adds a six-month option period extending performance through September 9, 2026, and increases the not-to-exceed cost ceiling by $9,958,847.00, from $20,816,846.40 to $30,775,693.40. The National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) Scientific and Technology Program Support (STPS) task order provides comprehensive support for NCATS' integrated scientific environment, including maintenance and operation of laboratory automation systems, development of computational tools and data management solutions, cybersecurity measures, training programs, and operation of physical infrastructure. Axle Informatics, LLC (Unique Entity ID: J4DNP7JJ1MU3, located at 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 400, North Bethesda, MD 20852-4931) is identified as the sole source capable of continuing this work due to its unique knowledge of NCATS' specific scientific applications, integrated environment, and automated biomedical experimentation systems. The justification notes that introducing a new contractor would cause unacceptable delays, disruption of ongoing research, potential loss of research data, and security system vulnerabilities. Market research was conducted via a Notice of Intent published February 25, 2026, with a February 28, 2026 closing date; no capability statements were received from interested vendors. NCATS anticipates awarding a follow-on contract by May 27, 2026, and is re-competing the requirement as a total small business set-aside under the GSA MAS Schedule through GSA eBuy to provide additional time for small business proposal preparation while maintaining service continuity.