In Vitro Biological Reagents

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), a component of the National Institutes of Health within the Department of Health and Human Services, has issued a Pre-Solicitation Notice (NOI-NIAID-25-2252017) for in vitro biological reagents. This special notice indicates NIAID's intent to negotiate a sole-source contract with Becton, Dickinson and Company for specific biological and immunological research supplies. The procurement is categorized under NAICS code 325413 for In-Vitro Diagnostic Substance Manufacturing and covers multiple specialized research reagents. The notice is specifically focused on acquiring various human cell marker and cytokine detection reagents with specific product specifications. The statutory authority for this sole-source requirement is grounded in 41 U.S.C. 1901(a)(1), which allows for procurements when only one responsible source can satisfy agency requirements.

The primary objective of this special notice is to provide an opportunity for potential vendors to submit capability statements demonstrating comparable service offerings, even though NIAID intends to proceed with a direct negotiation with Becton, Dickinson and Company. All interested contractors must submit their documentation through the NIAID electronic Simplified Acquisition Submission System (eSASS) by December 30, 2024, at 10:00 am, with mandatory vendor registration required on the system. The specific items sought include various human cell marker and cytokine reagents, with precise quantities and product numbers specified, and delivery location set in Gaithersburg, Maryland. While this is essentially a sole-source procurement, the government maintains discretionary power to evaluate and potentially compete the requirement based on responses received. Contractors interested in participating must carefully review the eSASS website instructions for submission protocols and ensure they can meet the precise reagent specifications outlined in the notice.