NIH Standard Organoid Modeling (SOM) Initiative Operational Technical Support Services (OTSS) Contract Blanket Order

The request is to establish an updated blanket order (BO) on the Operational Technical Support Services (OTSS) to address the urgent need for validated and scalable Novel Alternative Methods (NAMs), the NIH, in collaboration with NIAID, NCI, NCATS, NHGRI, OAR, and Women's Health is supporting the Standardized Organoid Modeling (SOM) Initiative. This national effort targets a major gap in biomedical research: the lack of standardized, reproducible protocols for organoidbased NAMs, which has limited their broader use in research, drug development, regulatory review, and clinical translation.

The SOM Initiative will integrate in vitro and in silico innovation, using AI/ML to mine existing literature, analyze experimental data (including negative findings), and identify key variables such as genetic modifications, media compositions, and 3D scaffold properties that influence organoid performance. A continuous feedback loop between computational modeling and wetlab experimentation will accelerate protocol optimization and reduce current trialanderror inefficiencies.

In parallel, the initiative will expand production and scaling of organoid models through automation, while ensuring that all validated protocols, metadata, and datasets are shared via a centralized, FAIRaligned digital repository.

This BO establishes the Organoid Data Science Section (ODSS) and the Organoid Coordinating Center (OCC). The ODSS will be a core component of the SOM Network, supporting NAMs across basic, translational, and clinical science.

Independently, and not as an agent of the Government, the Contractor shall provide all necessary personnel, services, materials, equipment, and facilities required to fulfill the Statement of Work (SOW). Specifically, the Contractor shall deliver:

Design and execution of experimental studies supporting basic and translational research

Advanced multiomics informatics, including integration and analysis of highdimensional biological data

Specialized analysis of proteomics, metabolomics, lipidomics, genomics, and spatial transcriptomics

Data science expertise, including statistical and biostatistical support

Highthroughput screening, laboratory automation, and advanced image analysis

Development and implementation of Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence tools to enhance datadriven discovery

Highperformance computing support, including development and optimization of computational pipelines

Logistical and informatics support (including LIMS), data management, curation, sharing, and analytics

Technical project management and oversight to ensure alignment with SOW objectives and timely delivery of requirements

Establishment of a coordination center to provide programmatic oversight, data management, and communications across the SOM Initiative

Collaboration with designated federal staff and government entities to ensure a consistent, panNIH approach across the SOM network