AN12--Stem Cell Therapy -wo/wd, BOnly POP 05/18/2026 - 5/17/2027

The Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Health Administration Veterans Integrated Service Network 22 is seeking qualified contractors to provide stem cell biodistribution analysis services through digital droplet PCR (ddPCR) methodology. The primary objective is to assess the biodistribution of human spinal cord neural stem cells (H9-scNSCs) following intraparenchymal spinal administration in African green monkeys, with results supporting post-mortem tissue analysis for an FDA IND submission related to neural stem cell therapy for spinal cord injury. Key contract requirements include method development and qualification of a duplex ddPCR assay, gDNA isolation optimization, primer design for human-specific sequences, specificity and dynamic range testing for both EvaGreen and TaqMan platforms, and comprehensive documentation archived for a minimum of five years. Interested contractors must demonstrate technical expertise through detailed capability statements and be registered in SAM.gov with valid DUNS numbers, Cage Codes, and Tax IDs. Responses to this Sources Sought Notice must be submitted by email to Contract Specialist Jessica Brooks at jessica.brooks3@va.gov no later than 4:00 PM MST on April 23, 2026.

This procurement is set aside exclusively for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs), though the Government reserves the right to pursue an alternate set-aside or full and open competition if adequate SDVOSB responses are not received. No current contractor or incumbent is identified in this pre-solicitation notice. The estimated contract value is $19 million, with a performance period extending from May 18, 2026 through May 17, 2027. The work involves analyzing 429 terminal tissue samples from 11 African green monkeys, with no subcontracting anticipated. Contractors classified as SDVOSBs or Veteran-Owned Businesses (VOBs) must also register with the SBA's Dynamic Small Business Search database in addition to standard federal registration requirements.