Neurogenomics for Autism

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), under the Department of Health and Human Services, has issued a Notice of Intent to Sole Source for neurogenomics services related to autism spectrum disorders research. The solicitation (NIMH25003022) is designated as an 8(a) Sole Source opportunity targeting Children's National at Walter Reed, LLC for specialized clinical services. The Section on Developmental Neurogenomics within NIMH's Human Genetics Branch requires expert-level clinical services to support their ongoing autism research. The agency emphasizes that any interruption in these services would directly harm clinical care for children in their protocol and result in significant loss of decades of research investment and data. This contract falls under NAICS code 541990 for professional, scientific, and technical services with a size standard of $19.5 million.

The primary objective is to secure specialized clinical expertise to advance NIMH's existing autism spectrum disorder research at a critical juncture in their studies. The contract structure includes one base year from September 30, 2025 through September 29, 2026, with one option year, requiring approximately 19 hours per week not exceeding 960 labor hours annually. Key requirements include preparing clinical patient reports, providing expert assessment services on neurocognitive data collection and analysis, utilizing gold standard autism diagnostic characterizations, attending weekly meetings, and conducting both in-person and remote diagnostic and neuropsychological assessments. Interested parties must submit responses electronically to the contract specialist by September 24, 2025. The government will provide necessary workspace, diagnostic materials, and access to NIH facilities, while retaining sole rights to all generated data from the contract.