Animal Feed and Bedding Supplies
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 National Institutes of Health (NIH), Office of Acquisitions, is issuing a Sources Sought notice to identify small business concerns capable of providing Animal Feed and Bedding Supplies for rodent colonies. This market research aims to determine the appropriate acquisition method, including potential set-asides, for requirements at Bethesda, MD. Responses are due June 12, 2026.
Scope of Work
NIH requires brand-name-only animal feed, bedding, enrichment, and housing supplies tailored to research protocols for rodent colonies in Building 35/35A SAF and Building 10 ACRF. Critical aspects include timely delivery and product quality, with strict pest and mold control. The acquisition is intended to be an Indefinite-Delivery Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ)/Requirements-type contract. The government may consider up to two awards for vendors providing at least four of the required items.
Key Supplies
- Animal Feed: Examples include LabDiet 5L8F (4,860-8,100 bags), LabDiet 5015 (115-195 bags).
- Bedding: Examples include Enviro-Dri (150-225 cartons), Bed-o’-Cobs (125-210 bags), Sani Chip (900-1,560 bags), Alpha-Dri Plus (75-5,000 bags).
- Enrichment/Housing: Examples include DietGel (665-1,110 cases), Nestlets (90-150 cases), Cocoon (170-340 cases), Innovive cage components, water bottles, feed trays.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought (Market Research for IDIQ/Requirements-type acquisition)
- Set-Aside: None specified (market research stage, seeking small business capabilities including 8(a), SDB, WOSB, HUBZone, VOSB, SDVOSB)
- Response Due: June 12, 2026, by 7:00 a.m. EST
- Published: May 28, 2026
Capability Statement Requirements
Interested small businesses should submit a capability statement (maximum 7 pages) including:
- Vendor name and address
- Business size and type (identify SBA size standards)
- Point of contact (name, title, phone, fax, email)
- UEI number
- Professional qualifications and technical personnel relevant to requirements
- Any other relevant information
Submission Instructions
Submit capability statements via email to Lynda.cole@nih.gov by the due date.
Important Notes
This notice is for planning purposes only and does not obligate the Government to award a contract. Responses are not considered adequate responses to a future solicitation and will be safeguarded for Government use only. No proprietary, classified, confidential, or sensitive information should be submitted.