AJ13--Liposome Preparation for Experimental Rheumatoid Arthritis treatment

SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE

Joint Targeted Drug Delivery Approach for Arthritis Therapy Liposome Preparation

Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 05 (NCO 05)

1. Purpose

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is conducting market research to identify qualified and experienced sources capable of producing specialized liposomal formulations incorporating patented joint targeting technologies. This notice is issued solely for information and planning purposes and does not constitute a solicitation.

The VA seeks vendors capable of custom nanoparticle/liposome formulation, peptide functionalized delivery systems, drug encapsulation, and nanoparticle characterization.

2. Description of Requirement (High Level)

The anticipated requirement includes preparation of liposomes using a patented lipid composition and a patented targeting peptide (ART 2), loading an anti arthritis drug, and performing standard physicochemical characterization.

To protect VA owned intellectual property:

Only limited non proprietary details are being released at this stage.

Full technical specifications including the proprietary lipid composition, ratios, and ART 2 functionalization method will only be released after execution of a Confidential Disclosure Agreement (CDA) with the VA Technology Transfer Program.

3. Key Capability Areas of Interest

Vendors should demonstrate capability and experience in the following areas:

Custom liposome or nanoparticle formulation using sponsor specified lipid systems.

Experience incorporating targeting peptides or ligands onto nanoparticle surfaces.

Ability to encapsulate therapeutic compounds (e.g., dexamethasone) with documented encapsulation efficiency.

Analytical capability for nanoparticle characterization, including:

Particle size (nm)

Zeta potential/surface charge

Polydispersity Index (PDI)

Drug loading quantification via LC MS/MS or HPLC

Ability to deliver research grade formulations for non GLP exploratory studies.

Experience producing Certificates of Analysis (COA) for nanoparticle based drug systems.

4. Security & Intellectual Property Restrictions

Per the SOW, the lipid composition and ART 2 surface modification technology are proprietary and patented. Release of this information requires:

A signed Confidential Disclosure Agreement (CDA) - with the VA Technology Transfer Program before any proprietary technical details can be shared with interested vendors.

5. NAICS & PSC Codes

NAICS Code: 325412 Pharmaceutical Preparation Manufacturing

Product Service Code (PSC): AJ13 R&D Biomedical, Advanced Development

These codes reflect the technical nature of the work, which spans advanced drug delivery research, specialized formulation, and nanoparticle engineering. If you believe there is a better NAICS code to consider for this requirement, please provide your suggestions with your response. Contracting will review all suggestions.

6. Requested Vendor Response

Interested vendors should submit a capability statement including:

Company name, UEI, address, and point of contact

Overview of experience relevant to:

Liposome/nanoparticle formulation

Peptide or ligand functionalization

Drug encapsulation and analytical characterization

Description of laboratory capabilities, including readiness to perform non GLP research work.

Relevant past performance examples

Business size classification (SDVOSB, VOSB, small business, large business, etc.)

7. Submission Instructions

All information shall be provided to the Contracting officer for review no later than (NLT) July 29, 2026 0900 Eastern Standard Time.

Point of Contact for Responses

Contracting Officer: Robert O Keefe Jr.

Email: robert.okeefejr@va.gov

Please submit all capability statements directly to the Contracting Officer (via. Email) by the date specified in the SAM.gov posting. Your email response should read: Subject Line: Response to Sources Sought Notice Joint Targeted Liposome Preparation (NAICS 325412 / PSC AJ13)

9. Disclaimer

Upon completion of Market Research, a comprehensive Confidential Disclosure Agreement (CDA), requiring signature, will be issued to the selected vendors after the acquisition strategy has been finalized and prior to the dissemination of any proprietary information. The selected vendors will be granted exclusive access to the solicitation opportunity and all associated proprietary information once the contracting office has received a fully executed CDA.

This Sources Sought Notice is for market research purposes only. The information provided will assist the Government in developing an acquisition strategy for this requirement. It does not constitute a solicitation or any obligations by the Government. No quotes are requested at this time.