SAM #NOI-26-006627

NIH Sole Source Research Collaboration with Washington University School of Medicine for Neuroscience Study on Food Intake and Behavior

The National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (NIH-CC), under the Department of Health and Human Services, is seeking a sole source contract for specialized neuroscience research services. - Government Buyer: - National Institutes of Health (NIH) - NIH Clinical Center - Translational Biobehavioral and Health Promotion Branch, led by Dr. Nicole Farmer - OEMs and Vendors: - Washington University School of Medicine (sole source provider) - Dr. Alexxai Kravitz (principal investigator) - Products/Services Requested: - Research collaboration focused on neural mechanisms controlling decision making in eating behavior - Delivery of data from a preclinical study on physical and cognitive effort and caloric intake (IRP Bench to Bedside Award, FY2026, Award ID: 1522247) - Utilization of advanced techniques: electrophysiology, optogenetics, and behavioral analysis in mice - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Sole source justification: Only Washington University School of Medicine and Dr. Kravitz possess the required expertise and prior research foundation - No specific products, equipment, or part numbers requested; requirement is for professional research services and data delivery - Place of performance: NIH Clinical Center, Bethesda, MD

Description

Acquisition Description & Justification:

This is a Notice of Intent, not a request for proposal.  The National Institute of Health, Clinical Center (NIH-CC) intends to negotiate on an other than full and open competition basis with the Washington University School of Medicine.

The NIH is engaged in research that investigates the role of effort before a meal on food intake and obesogenic food behaviors, and requires continued research in this subject.

The NIH has been working with the Washington University School of Medicine, specifically Dr. Alexxai Kravitz, on research involving neural mechanisms that control decision making in eating behavior. Dr. Kravitz studies neural mechanisms that control decision making and feeding utilizing cutting-edge approaches in electrophysiology, optogenetics, and behavioral analysis to investigate the neural circuits that modulate these processes in mice.

The NIH’s  Dietary Behaviors and Biopsychosocial Health Section, is developing investigations into the role of cognitive and physical effort in food choice and consumption, and requires a continued partnership with Dr. Kravitz and Washington University in order to use their knowledge and expertise to help carry out this research.  

Place of Performance or Delivery:

POP: 9/11/2026 – 09/10/2027

Place of Performance: NIH Clinical Center in Bethesda, MD or as otherwise specified by the NIH project managers

The statutory authority for this sole source requirement is 41 U.S.C. 1901 (a) (1) as implemented by FAR 13.106-1 only one responsible source and no other supply of service will satisfy agency requirements. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL.  All responsible sources that could provide the required may submit a capability statement that will be considered by email (subject line to reference NOI-26-006627) by 5:00 PM eastern standard time on 09/08/2026 to: lu-chang.lu@nih.gov

All responses received by the closing date of this synopsis will be considered by the Government.  A determination not to compete this requirement, based upon responses to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the Government.

The purchase order that shall be awarded for this project shall use standard government terms and conditions.

View original listing