Notice of Intent to Sole Source

The Department of Health and Human Services, specifically the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), has issued a Special Notice of Intent to Sole Source a contract for professional and technical services related to the International Cannabis Policy Study (ICPS) survey data. The notice, posted on June 5, 2025, indicates the FDA's intent to award a firm fixed-price contract to the University of Waterloo in Canada. The contract opportunity, identified as FDA_CDER129317, seeks a contractor to evaluate and interpret survey data from 2023, 2024, and prior years. The procurement is being pursued under FAR Part 6.302-1(a)(2)(ii), which allows for a single-source award when only one responsible source can satisfy agency requirements. The notice was published with a response deadline of June 16, 2025.

The primary objective of this contract is to conduct comprehensive research on cannabinoid hemp product (CHP) use, focusing on analyzing survey data to inform policy discussions, regulatory actions, and public communications. The contractor will be required to produce multiple deliverables within a 12-month period, including a near-final draft report, final report, scientific abstract, presentation, and manuscript. Key analytical requirements include examining CHP use categories, documenting user characteristics, tracking adverse events, and comparing usage metrics across different population segments. Interested alternative vendors are invited to submit written capability statements demonstrating their ability to meet contract requirements, with the understanding that the government retains sole discretion in determining whether to compete the proposed contract. Potential contractors should email their capability statements to Rodney D. Aytch at rodney.aytch@fda.hhs.gov, with submissions to be reviewed to assess alternative contractors' capabilities. The contract falls under NAICS Category 541715 for Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences.