Scientific Evidence Evaluation and Knowledge Integration for Translational Toxicology

Sources Sought Notice

This notice is a Sources Sought Notice (SSN) issued by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) for market research purposes. It is not a solicitation. The NIEHS is seeking information on the capabilities of small businesses to support requirements related to Scientific Evidence Evaluation and Knowledge Integration for Translational Toxicology.

The NIEHS requires support in the following areas:

• Systematic evidence mapping and scoping reviews of environmental health literature

• Systematic review and evidence synthesis

• Report development and scientific writing

• Document preparation and publication

• Coordination and management of external peer review

• Logistical management for advisory group meetings and workshops

• Provision of scientific or technical consultants

• Development and implementation of novel tools and informatics approaches

• Program management A DRAFT Statement of Work (SOW) is attached for detailed requirement information.

• The anticipated Period of Performance is ten (10) years (base year + nine option years).

• Estimated start date: May 2027.

• Place of Performance: To Be Determined (TBD).

• This requirement is a continuation of existing contracts, with a recent bridge contract awarded to ICF Incorporated, LLC.

• Interested parties should submit capability statements in the format of a White Paper (max 20 pages).

• Responses are due by 4:00 PM Eastern Time on May 6, 2026.

• Questions regarding the SSN are due by 12:00 PM Eastern Time on April 30, 2026.

• Responses and questions should be submitted electronically to Kristina Filardo (filardok@nih.gov) and Lisa Schaupp (lisa.schaupp@nih.gov).

• Generic capability statements will not be reviewed.

• This SSN encourages responses from capable small businesses, including all socioeconomic categories.

• The anticipated NAICS code is 541715 (Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences), with a small business size standard of 1000 employees.

• Respondents must identify their business size and applicable small business socioeconomic categories (SDB, WOSB, EDWOSB, VOSB, SDVOSB, HUBZone).

• Large businesses must indicate if they have partnered with small businesses for this requirement.

• The Government is not responsible for costs incurred in responding.

• Not responding does not preclude future participation.

• Proprietary information must be marked appropriately at the paragraph level.

• FAR 52.215-3 (Request for Information or Solicitation for Planning Purposes) is incorporated by reference.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding the Scientific Evidence Evaluation and Knowledge Integration for Translational Toxicology SSN (Solicitation Number: NIH-OALM-NIEHS-2026-SIM). It clarifies details related to a potential future solicitation.

• Page Limit: Responses to the SSN should not exceed 20 pages (excluding title pages and cover letters). Submissions should be in 11 pt Calibri font.
• Section III.b Reference: An oversight was corrected; the reference should be to sections i. through iii., not iv.
• Contract Structure: The current contract is a single award. The structure of a follow-on contract (single or multiple award) is still under market research.
• AI/LLM Integration: The SOW (section 2.9) includes a Capability Area focused on developing novel tools and informatics approaches for literature-based evaluations, including AI-enabled methods. These tools, once mature, will be implemented in systematic review processes, allowing for adaptation to new technologies over time.
• Travel Expectations: Explicit expectations for travel have not been determined and will be detailed in the future solicitation.
• Extension Criteria: Criteria for contract extensions (years 2-10) will be posted with the solicitation.
• Novel Tools/Algorithms: Clauses for Data Rights and IT security will likely be addressed in a future solicitation. Vendors may submit questions to a solicitation if their specific questions are not answered.
• Place of Performance: The place of performance cannot be determined at this time and is part of the market research.
• Key Personnel: Anticipated key personnel positions are detailed in the Statement of Work attached to the announcement.
• Formal Solicitation Timeline: The anticipated timeline for issuing the formal solicitation is Fiscal Year 2026, subject to change.
• Evaluation Factors: Primary evaluation factors will be posted within the solicitation.
• Current Contract: The current contract number is 75N96025C00003, with a total estimated cost-plus fixed fee of $13,683,134. The anticipated performance period is May 29, 2027.
• Anticipated Award: The Government anticipates an award in May 2027, subject to change.
• Government Accounts/GFE: Information on whether contract staff will receive government accounts or GFE will be provided in the solicitation.

This document clarifies several points for interested parties and emphasizes that this SSN is for market research purposes and does not constitute a solicitation. Further details regarding requirements, evaluation, and contract structure will be provided in the upcoming formal solicitation.

Sources Sought Notice

This announcement is a Sources Sought Notice (SSN) for market research purposes, not a solicitation. The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) is seeking information on capable small businesses to support the Division of Translational Toxicology (DTT). The information gathered will help NIEHS determine acquisition strategies and the availability of small business concerns for future procurement.

The NIEHS DTT requires support in nine key areas:

• Systematic evidence mapping and scoping reviews of environmental health literature
• Systematic review and evidence synthesis
• Report development and scientific writing
• Document preparation and publication
• Coordination and management of external peer review
• Logistical management for advisory group meetings and workshops
• Provision of scientific or technical consultants
• Development and implementation of novel tools and informatics approaches
• Program management

A DRAFT Statement of Work (SOW) is attached for detailed requirement information.

• The anticipated Period of Performance is ten (10) years (base year + nine option years).

• Estimated start date: May 2027.

• The current contract for similar services was awarded in 2016 and has had subsequent bridge contracts.

• Interested parties should submit capability statements electronically to Lisa.schaupp@nih.gov and filardok@nih.gov.

• Generic capability statements will not be reviewed.

• Responses are due no later than 4:00 PM Eastern Time (ET) on May 6, 2026.

• Questions regarding the SSN are due no later than 12:00 PM Eastern Time (ET) on April 30, 2026.

• Encourages responses from capable small businesses, including all socioeconomic categories.

• The anticipated NAICS code is 541715 (Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences), with a small business size standard of 1000 employees.

• Respondents must identify their business size and applicable small business socioeconomic categories (SDB, WOSB, EDWOSB, VOSB, SDVOSB, HUBZone).

• This SSN does not constitute a commitment by the Government and does not preclude future participation in solicitations.

• The Government will not be responsible for any costs incurred in responding to this SSN.

• Proprietary information must be marked appropriately at the paragraph level.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

To provide scientific and technical expertise and support for scientific evidence evaluation and knowledge integration for translational toxicology, supporting the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), Division of Translational Toxicology (DTT).

• Conduct systematic evidence mapping and scoping reviews of environmental health literature.

• Perform systematic reviews and evidence synthesis.

• Develop reports and provide scientific writing.

• Prepare documents for publication.

• Coordinate and manage external peer review.

• Provide logistical management for advisory group meetings and workshops.

• Supply scientific or technical consultants with relevant expertise.

• Develop and implement novel tools and informatics approaches.

• Provide program management.

• Deliverables must be electronic and PC/MAC compatible.

• Final documents/reports submitted electronically in MS Word and/or PDF formats.

• All electronic deliverables must be Section 508 compliant for accessibility.

• Compliance with specific handbooks for systematic reviews and report preparation.

• Not explicitly stated in this section, but implies ongoing support.

• Work may involve attending meetings at NIEHS or in the Washington, DC area.

• Contractor personnel must possess broad professional and technical expertise in environmental health sciences.

• Adherence to specific guidelines for conducting systematic reviews and preparing reports.

• Compliance with HHS Section 508 and Accessibility Standards for all ICT products and services.

• Contractor must provide signed non-disclosure agreements.

• Compliance with Federal and State safety laws and regulations.

• Personnel may require security investigations.

• Contractor must manage data in accordance with an approved data management plan.

• Compliance with IT security and privacy language, including encryption and training requirements.