BALB/cJ and C57BL/6J Mice to Support Different Infection Models

Description:  The Combat Wound Infections Division (CWID) at Naval Medical Research Command (NMRC), intends to award a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) to Charles River Laboratories (CRL) and The Jackson Laboratory (JAX) under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1), “Soliciting from a Single Source” for purchases not exceeding the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT).The Naval Medical Research Command (NMRC) requires a continuous, flexible supply of up to 5,160 specific-pathogen-free (SPF) laboratory research mice. The requirement consists of female BALB/cJ and C57BL/6J strains, aged 49–56 days, and weighing 12–16 grams. The vendor must guarantee that all models are free from infectious diseases and have not received any prior systemic or topical antimicrobials. Delivery is required on a indefinite-delivery basis to support approximately forty-three (43) in vivo experiments scheduled between August 2026 and August 2027.  Because CRL and JAX are approved by Walter Reed Army Institute of Research and planned studies are continuations of ongoing research, study baselines and control determinations have already been established using CRL BALB/cJ and JAX C57BL/6J mice, it is critical to ensure the animals are procured from these exact sources. Sourcing from alternative breeders would introduce unacceptable phenotypic and genotypic variation into the upcoming studies, which would invalidate historical data and jeopardize the integrity of the research.

This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals. However, any firm that believes it can meet this requirement without introducing the aforementioned phenotypic/genotypic variation to the established baselines may submit a written Capability Statement. Responses must include:

• Evidence of the ability to provide the exact genetic strains (BALB/cJ C57BL/6J).
• Evidence that they have been approved by Walter Reed Army Institute of Research.
• Confirmation of the ability to meet the SPF and “antimicrobial-free” guarantees.

Responses must be submitted to the Contracting Officer at priscilla.v.harrison.civ@health.mil no later than June 19, 2026.

A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed action based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government.