Py-GC/MS for Micro- and Nanoplastic Analysis

The Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) Health Science Futures Office is conducting market research to identify contractors capable of providing pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) analysis of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) in biological samples, with responses due by September 8, 2026. This is a sources-sought notice only; submission is voluntary and does not obligate respondents to participate in any subsequent solicitation.

ARPA-H seeks gold-standard analytical capability to detect MNPs in blood, urine, and tissue samples. The contractor must establish the method within nine months of contract start and maintain service delivery for up to 60 months. Analysis must cover nine polymer types (PE, PP, PVC, PET, Nylon-6, PS, PMMA, PU, and SBR) with limits of detection of 100–250 ng (10–20 ng desired) and limits of quantification of 0.3–1 µg (30–80 ng desired). The facility must maintain at minimum an ISO-7 clean room or workstation to prevent plastic contamination.

Responses must not exceed six pages, single-spaced, 12-point font with one-inch margins. Respondents must provide instrument specifications, GC retention times, molecular ion m/z values, quality control specifications, preliminary calibration and recovery data, sample processing procedures, a pathway to establish the gold-standard method within nine months, cost per sample, monthly processing capacity, and rough order of magnitude development costs. Standard business information, CAGE code, Unique Entity ID, DUNS number, prior relevant performance within the last 36 months, willingness to serve as prime or subcontractor, existing U.S. Government contracts, and annual cost estimates are required. Submit electronically to erica.bryant@arpa-h.gov and STOMP@arpa-h.gov by 3:00 pm Eastern on September 8, 2026, with "Py-GC/MS for Micro- and Nanoplastic Analysis 75N992-26-SS-106" in the subject line. The Government will not provide feedback on submissions or reimburse response costs.