N3C and Data COUNTS Scientific Operations and Technical Support
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), specifically the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), has issued a Sole Source Justification (SSJ) to extend an existing GSA contract (GS-35F-023GA, Task Order # 75N95025F00079) for N3C and Data COUNTS Scientific Operations and Technical Support. This 9-month extension is critical to prevent a lapse in mission-critical services and allow adequate time for future competitive recompetition planning.
Purpose
The primary purpose of this extension is to ensure continuity of services for NCATS and the National Clinical Cohort Collaborative (N3C) contributors. It aims to integrate N3C and Data COUNTS, transition N3C to a Dynamic Workspaces architecture, enhance data utility for the research community, and achieve full compliance with Controlled-Access Data Repositories (CADR) requirements. This aligns with the NIH Director's priority to establish a Real-World Data Platform.
Scope of Work
The required services involve:
- Program Strategy, Governance, and Leadership: Expert consultation and strategic planning for the future platform and vendor transition.
- Modular Application Development: Designing, developing, and testing platform-agnostic web applications for N3C services.
- Platform-Agnostic Data Infrastructure: Managing the data lifecycle, including acquisition, quality, linkage, and OMOP harmonization.
- Scientific and Technical Research and Support: Providing Real World Evidence Subject Matter Experts.
- N3C Education and Training: Advancing N3C education and developing training materials.
- Enhancing Data COUNTS capabilities and coordination.
- Facilitating prize competitions.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Firm-Fixed-Price (extension of an existing GSA Task Order).
- Duration: 9 months, from March 29, 2026, to December 31, 2026.
- Authority: GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) Program, citing FAR 8.405-6(a)(i)(B) for unique/highly specialized services and GSAR 538.7104-3(b)(ii)/(iii) for unique capabilities and logical follow-on.
- Published: April 9, 2026.
Justification & Eligibility
This is a sole-source action, not a competitive solicitation. The current contractor, Axle Informatics, is identified as uniquely qualified due to their proven track record, deep understanding of the N3C ecosystem, existing partnerships, and expertise in regulatory, legal, and cybersecurity aspects. Recompeting these services at this time would present unrealistic requirements and disrupt the research community. The 9-month extension provides a stable transition period and allows for proper planning of a future competitive acquisition.
Contact Information
- Primary: Usha Raman (ramanu2@mail.nih.gov, 301-443-5228)
- Secondary: Shirley Ruiz-Lundgren (shirley.ruiz-lundgren@nih.gov, 301-827-7529)