Repository of Mouse Models for Down Syndrome

The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), a component of the National Institutes of Health, is seeking a contractor to produce, maintain, and distribute mouse models specifically for Down syndrome cytogenetic research. The pre-solicitation notice indicates a sole-source intent to award a contract to Jackson Laboratory, which possesses unique capabilities in developing and maintaining specialized Down syndrome mouse models. Key contract requirements include breeding and maintaining at least 30 breeding pairs of mice, distributing animal models to qualified investigators, cryopreserving embryos, conducting pathogen testing, and characterizing mouse model phenotypes. Interested parties are invited to submit capability statements by 3:00 PM EST on April 18, 2025, to Ms. Kesha Williams and Mr. Dana L. Harris via email. The government will evaluate these statements to determine whether to competitively bid the contract or proceed with the sole-source award to Jackson Laboratory.

The opportunity is not set aside for any specific business category and appears to be a standard procurement within the Research and Development in Biotechnology NAICS code (541714). The anticipated contract duration is one year with potential for four additional option periods, suggesting a possible total contract period of five years. While specific award values are not disclosed, the contract involves sophisticated scientific research services centered on maintaining a specialized mouse model repository. The contract requires monthly conference calls to report on mouse strain distribution and involves highly technical work in genetic research. Jackson Laboratory is currently positioned as the preferred contractor due to its specialized expertise in developing the Ts65Dn mouse strain, which is critical for Down syndrome research.