National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) Assessment of Immunotoxicity – In Vitro and In Vivo Assessment of Immune Function

The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), a component of the National Institutes of Health, is seeking a contractor to conduct comprehensive immunotoxicity research studies using both in vitro and in vivo assessment methods. The solicitation (RFP No. 75N96025R00001) requires a research team capable of evaluating chemical-induced immune modulation through advanced laboratory techniques, including human whole blood culture systems, allergic response potential screening, and immune system modulation testing in rats and mice. Evaluation criteria will encompass technical expertise, past performance, small business utilization, and proposed research approaches, with proposals due by February 18, 2025 at 4:00 PM EST. Contractors must demonstrate capabilities in conducting complex immunological assessments following Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) regulations and NIH research standards. The solicitation emphasizes reproducibility, data sharing, and animal welfare compliance as critical evaluation factors.

The contract will be executed as a cost-plus-fixed-fee arrangement with a base performance period from February 12, 2026 through February 11, 2027, supplemented by nine potential one-year option periods and a possible six-month extension. Performance will be located in Durham, North Carolina, and is designated under the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541715 for research and development in physical, engineering, and life sciences. While no specific set-aside is applied, the solicitation requires a minimum of 5% small business participation across various socioeconomic categories. The contract does not specify a precise award value, but the comprehensive research requirements suggest a substantial budget for sophisticated immunotoxicity studies involving multiple research protocols, laboratory testing, and detailed scientific reporting. Potential offerors must provide extensive documentation, including biographical sketches, past performance questionnaires, and detailed research outlines demonstrating technical capabilities in immunological assessments.