Rat Brain Protein Analyses and Plasma Biomarker Quantification

The Food and Drug Administration's National Center for Toxicological Research seeks rat brain protein analyses and plasma biomarker quantification services under a Firm-Fixed-Price RFQ, with quotes due August 10, 2026 at 1:00 PM Central Time. The procurement is competed unrestricted to full and open competition.

Place of performance is Jefferson, Arkansas. The contractor must process and analyze 288 rat brain tissue samples and 120 rat plasma samples, performing protein extraction and quantification using standard assays (BCA, Bradford, or equivalent); ELISAs to detect and quantitate NMDA receptors, D1 dopamine receptors, D2 dopamine receptors, and mu opioid receptors across all 288 brain samples; and ELISAs for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and Neurofilament light across 120 plasma and 168 brain samples. All primary antibodies must be species and tissue-specific with minimal cross-reactivity. The Government will ship samples on dry ice no later than September 30, 2026. The contractor must deliver all analysis results and supporting data files within 10 months of sample receipt and provide preliminary progress updates every 45 calendar days. Raw and final data must be provided in standard formats (SAS, R, Python, Microsoft Excel, or other agreed-upon formats). Pricing must be quoted FOB Destination inclusive of all analysis, data files, shipping, handling, and delivery charges. The NAICS code is 541380, Testing Laboratories and Services, with a small business size standard of $19.0 million. Payment terms are Net 30 Days after Government acceptance, with invoices submitted electronically through the Department of Treasury's Invoice Processing Platform. Quotes should be directed to howard.nesmith@fda.hhs.gov.