NOI - Thermoelectric incubator with lighting and humidity control
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 Laboratory of Molecular Biology/Section on Neural Function (LMB/SNF), has issued a Pre-Solicitation Non-Competitive Notice of Intent (NOI) to award a sole-source contract for Thermoelectric Incubators with Lighting and Humidity Control. The intended source is Darwin Chambers. This notice is to determine if other responsible sources can fulfill the requirement. Responses are due by April 24, 2026, at 4:00 pm EST.
Purpose & Scope
The LMB/SNF requires two (2) Insect Rearing Chambers (Catalog Number IN034) to house their collection of Drosophila stocks. These incubators are critical for maintaining standard conditions of temperature, humidity, and lighting, which are essential for reproducible experiments on hormonal regulation and behavior in Drosophila. The requirement includes shipping, handling, and installation of the equipment. Delivery is expected within 30 days after receipt of award.
Contract Details
- Opportunity Type: Pre-Solicitation Non-Competitive (Notice of Intent to Sole Source)
- Agency: National Institutes of Health (NIH)
- NAICS Code: 334516 – Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing (Size Standard: 1000 employees)
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside
- Statutory Authority: FAR 6.302-1 (Only one responsible source)
- Intended Source: Darwin Chambers, 2945 Washington Avenue, Saint Louis, MO 63103-1305, USA.
- Rationale for Sole Source: Market research indicates Darwin Chambers is the only vendor capable of providing the proprietary equipment and sole maintenance services required.
Submission & Evaluation
This is NOT a request for competitive proposals. However, interested parties may submit a capability statement to demonstrate their ability to meet the requirement. The Government will use these responses to determine whether to proceed with a non-competitive award to Darwin Chambers or conduct a competitive procurement.
Responses must include:
- Unit price, list price, shipping and handling costs
- Delivery period after contract award
- Prompt payment discount terms
- F.O.B. Point (Destination or Origin)
- Dun & Bradstreet Number (DUNS)
- Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)
- Certification of business size
All offerors must have an active registration in SAM.gov.
Key Dates & Contacts
- Response Due: April 24, 2026, at 4:00 pm EST
- Published Date: April 16, 2026
- Solicitation Number: PCA-NIMH-02135
- Primary Contact: Elaine Estrella, Contract Specialist (elaine.estrella@nih.gov)
- Secondary Contact: Brian Lind, Contract Specialist (brian.lind@nih.gov)