AN12--Stem Cell Therapy -wo/wd, BOnly POP 05/18/2026 - 5/17/2027
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is conducting a Sources Sought for market research to identify qualified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs) capable of providing Stem Cell Therapy related services. Specifically, the VA seeks support for the NHP scNSC Biodistribution Project at the VA San Diego Healthcare System, California. This effort aims to advance a neural stem cell therapy program for spinal cord injury towards an Investigational New Drug (IND) submission. Responses are due April 23, 2026.
Purpose & Overview
This is a Sources Sought Announcement for market research purposes only, not a solicitation. The VA is gathering information from potential SDVOSBs, VOSBs, 8(a), HubZone, and other Small Businesses to inform future acquisition decisions for a potential contract. The primary goal is to support the development of a neural stem cell therapy for spinal cord injury.
Project Description
The project focuses on assessing the biodistribution of human scNSC (spinal cord neural stem cells) using digital droplet PCR (ddPCR) after intraparenchymal spinal administration in African green monkeys (AGM). This work is crucial for collecting histological safety/toxicology data required for an IND submission, specifically post-mortem biodistribution analysis, and does not involve in-life studies.
Scope of Work
Key tasks include:
- Fit-for-Purpose Method Development and Qualification of a ddPCR method for quantifying H9-scNSC biodistribution in Non-Human Primates.
- Analysis of 429 H9-scNSC biodistribution samples from African green monkeys.
- Method development encompassing gDNA isolation optimization, primer design and specificity testing, and dynamic range quantification for both Evagreen and Taqman ddPCR assays.
- Method qualification including H9-scNSC gDNA copy number analysis and singlet vs. duplex comparison.
- Sample analysis involving absolute quantification of Vector gDNA in AGM tissues using multiplexed ddPCR, with data analyzed relative to the AGM reference gene, TERT.
Key Requirements for Response
Interested businesses must submit the following:
- Company name and address
- Point of contact (phone, fax, email)
- DUNS number, Cage Code, Tax ID Number
- Type of small business (SDVOSB, VOSB, 8(a), HUBZone, etc.)
- A capability statement detailing qualifications and experience for the described work.
Contract Details
- NAICS Code: 541380 (Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology))
- Set-Aside: This is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) Set-Aside. The VA is mandated to consider a total set-aside for SDVOSBs. If responses are inadequate, other set-aside options or full and open competition may be considered.
- Subcontracting: No sub-contracting opportunities are anticipated.
Submission Information
- Responses Due: April 23, 2026, by 16:00 MST.
- Submission Method: Via email to jessica.brooks3@va.gov.
- Subject Line: All submissions must be marked: Attn: Jessica Brooks, Contract Specialist.
Important Notes
This is a Sources Sought Announcement only; it does not obligate the government to award a contract. The government will not reimburse costs associated with responding to this request. Offerors must be registered in SAM.gov, and SDVOSBs/VOSBs must also be registered in the VA's Center for Dynamic Small Business Search (https://dsbs.sba.gov/).