Notice of intent to sole source Non-Human Primate (NHP) jackets.

The Defense Health Agency Contracting Activity (DHACA) intends to award a Firm Fixed Price, sole source Contract on behalf of the United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID) To Lomir Inc. under the authority of 41 USC 1901, as implemented in FAR 12.102 Restricting competition, under the authority of simplified procedures for certain commercial items. This requirement is Non-Human Primate (NHP) jackets.

While NHP Jackets are available from other distributors, not all essential materials needed to construct them are available through those channels. Lomir Inc. stands apart as the only distributor able to supply a complete product meeting the Government's minimum essential characteristics therefore making this a sole source requirement.

This notice of intent is NOT a request for quotations (RFQ) and no solicitation document exists for the requirement; however, if a vendor challenges the basis for this requirement, please submit a capability statement that includes sufficient detail and with convincing evidence that clearly demonstrates the capability to provide these Supplies. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed contract based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. A request for documentation or additional information or submissions that only ask questions will not be considered as an affirmative response. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement or to proceed with a sole source procurement.

Capability statements are due no later than 1000 Eastern Time, 18 March 2026[TK1] . Capability statements shall be submitted via email ONLY as a Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF attachment to the following email address grant.a.gratton.civ@health.mil or tonya.r.kreps.civ@health.mil No phone calls will be accepted.

See attached Minimal Essential Characteristics.

United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases

Minimum Essential Characteristics (MECs)

Product: Non-Human Primate Jackets

1.0 PURPOSE & SCOPE

This document outlines the MECs for the procurement of non-human primate (NHP) jackets. The United States Army Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), Veterinary Medicine Division (VMD) intends to establish a 5-year Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) ordering period. The purpose of this procurement and specified MECs is to ensure that any procured jacket meets the fundamental operational, research, and animal welfare needs of the Veterinary Medicine Division. All characteristics listed are mandatory unless explicitly stated otherwise.

2.0 CORE ESSENTIAL CHARACTERISTICS (CEC)

The following characteristics are fundamental requirements. Any proposed product that fails to meet these baseline criteria will be deemed technically unacceptable.

Characteristic ID

Description of Core Requirement

Verification Method

CEC-01

Sizing Availability: Jackets must be available in sizes to fit NHP species of any age or weight currently used at USAMRIID, including rhesus macaques, cynomolgus macaques, African green monkeys, and common marmosets.

Vendor Catalog Review / Specification Sheet

CEC-02

Fit and Safety: Jackets must fit snugly and comfortably around the neck, thorax, abdomen, and armholes to prevent animal injury or escape.

Technical Evaluation of Sample / Fitting Demonstration

CEC-03

Material and Durability: Jackets must be made of durable, comfortable materials with reinforced seams. The fabric must prevent self-injury and serve as a protective barrier for telemetry implants and catheters.

Material Specification Sheet / Sample Evaluation

CEC-04

Animal Welfare: When properly fitted, the jacket must not cause animal discomfort, distress, pain, or chafing. It must not restrict normal movement or respiratory efforts.

IACUC Review / Technical Evaluation of Sample

CEC-05

Delivery Schedule: Vendor must be capable of delivering orders within four (4) weeks of placement.

Statement of Capability / Past Performance / Contract Terms

CEC-06

Technical Evaluation Sample: The vendor must provide one (1) NHP jacket suitable for a medium cynomolgus macaque (3.5-5.0 kg) for government technical evaluation prior to award.

Receipt and inspection of the evaluation sample.

3.0 CUSTOMIZABLE & SCALABLE CHARACTERISTICS (CSC)

The product line must offer optional customization within the parameters defined below. These features represent the required flexibility that must be available to the government at the time of placing an order.

Characteristic ID

Characteristic

Minimum Threshold (Essential Baseline)

Objective Customization / Scalability Range

CSC-01

Modified Fit and Features

Standard jackets must meet all core characteristics (CEC-01 through CEC-04).

Must offer services to customize fit, features (e.g., pockets, access points), and fabrics to meet specific protocol requirements for enhanced durability or animal comfort.

CSC-02

Apparatus Integration

The standard jacket provides a protective barrier.

Must offer configurations that permit the secure integration of telemetry and tethering systems as required by research protocols.

CSC-03

Development and Prototyping Costs

The unit price applies to standard-sized jackets.

Costs for the development of customizations and the creation of prototype jackets must be included in the final unit price or be made available for quotation upon request.

4.0 COMPLIANCE & STANDARDS

The product and its materials must meet the requirements of the following standard:

Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, 8th Edition, 2011.

[TK1]This day is not going to work since I need to re-review the NOI before you post it. Is there a set time for posting an NOI?