Strong Heart Study (SHS) – New Cohort of Young Native American (NA) Adults
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), National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), is conducting a Sources Sought market survey to identify qualified small businesses to serve as Community Field Centers for a new Strong Heart Study (SHS) cohort of young Native American (NA) adults. This initiative aims to address health gaps and enhance understanding of heart, lung, blood, and sleep (HLBS) conditions in NA populations. Capability statements are due May 26, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. EST.
Purpose & Background
This notice seeks to assess the availability and technical capability of small businesses for a strategic expansion of the existing SHS program. The goal is to establish a new epidemiologic cohort to ensure the long-term scientific viability and relevance of SHS research. Up to five (5) awards are anticipated, each for a period of ten (10) years, with an approximate award date of August 2027. This notice specifically addresses the expansion component for the Community Field Centers.
Scope of Work
Selected Field Centers will be responsible for:
- Establishing a new cohort of approximately 4,000 young NA adults across all sites, in collaboration with Tribal communities.
- Obtaining Tribal reviews and approvals (e.g., resolutions, MOUs).
- Establishing Field Center staffing infrastructure and activating clinical community sites.
- Developing communication plans for community engagement, health education, and study updates.
- Developing and approving standardized study protocols, including consents, questionnaires, biospecimen collection, and data analysis plans.
- Conducting pilot studies and successful baseline interviews and examinations of participants.
- Performing quality control, quality assurance, and data harmonization activities.
- Conducting annual follow-up contacts with participants.
- Collaborating on post-exam activities, including clinical event reporting and dissemination of findings (lay summaries, research manuscripts).
- Providing a platform for investigator-initiated ancillary studies.
- Training new and early-stage Native serving scientists.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Market Survey
- Anticipated Awards: Up to five (5) contracts
- Anticipated Duration: Ten (10) years
- Anticipated Award Date: On or around August 2027
- Response Due: May 26, 2026, 3:00 p.m. EST
- Published: May 11, 2026
Eligibility & Submission
This opportunity is a Small Business Sources Sought. The NAICS Code is 541715 – Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology). Only small businesses under this NAICS code should respond.
Capability statements must not exceed 15 single-sided or 7.5 double-sided pages (12-point font minimum) and must specifically address each project requirement. Submissions should include total employees, professional qualifications of personnel, facilities/equipment description, and similar past research projects. Responses must be submitted electronically to John Lear (john.lear@nih.gov) and Melissa K. Ramos (melissa.ramos@nih.gov), referencing notice number 75N98026R00073 in the subject line.
Important Notes
This is NOT a request for proposals and does not commit the Government to award a contract. Responses will inform the appropriate acquisition method, including potential set-asides. No proprietary or confidential business data should be submitted.