Standardized Micro- and Nano- Plastics

The Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) Health Science Futures Office, operating under the Department of Health and Human Services National Institutes of Health, is seeking standardized micro- and nanoplastic (MNP) materials to support technology research and development activities. This Sources Sought notice aims to gauge industry interest and capabilities for manufacturing and characterizing MNP materials with specific attributes for metrology and toxicology studies. Key requirements include the ability to produce materials with a statistical size distribution centered at approximately 150 nanometers, irregular non-spherical shapes, single plastic type composition per sample (polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, nylon 6, or other relevant polymers), and standard additives typical of consumer products. Respondents must provide entity information, CAGE codes, relevant NAICS codes (326199, 325211, or 541713), technical capabilities descriptions, references to at least two relevant contracts completed within the past 36 months, cost estimates, and delivery timelines. The response deadline is 3:00 p.m. Eastern on March 24, 2026, with responses limited to three pages single-spaced in 12-point font with one-inch margins, submitted electronically to elaine.wong@arpa-h.gov.

This notice includes no set-aside designations and identifies no incumbent contractors. The procurement requires vendors to deliver 5-10 grams annually over a five-year period, with optional enhancements including three size categories (less than 200 nanometers, 200 nanometers to 1 micrometer, and 1 to 5 micrometers), fiber shapes, minimized additives using weathered materials, and expanded polymer options such as poly-methyl methacrylate, polyurethane, and styrene butadiene rubber. No specific award value or budget range is disclosed in this Sources Sought notice, which is issued for market research purposes only and does not constitute a formal solicitation. Respondents should note that submission is voluntary, does not obligate future proposal submission, and that the government will not acknowledge receipt, provide feedback, or reimburse response costs. An amendment was released on March 12, 2026, for clarification purposes and to extend the response deadline.