Provide support for Animal Basic Skills Training

Background
NASA is seeking support for basic animal skills training in collaboration with the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) for the Mouse Habitat Mission. This initiative follows the discontinuation of NASA's Rodent Research program and aims to provide astronaut training at a facility that meets regulatory standards for animal operations. The training is essential for the upcoming MHU-11 mission, ensuring astronauts are equipped with necessary skills before specific mission training in Japan.

Work Details
The contractor will provide a suitable Animal Care Facility (ACF) or Commercial Research Organization (CRO) that complies with NASA's regulatory standards, including the Public Health Service Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. Key tasks include:
1. Coordination of all animal training activities with NASA veterinarians, ensuring alignment with space environment constraints.
2. Provision of an approved Animal Use Protocol (AUP) by the awardee’s Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), submitted to NASA for review.
3. Conducting one day of setup and familiarization with facility staff and NASA veterinarians.
4. Delivering six half-day training sessions during summer 2026, covering procedures such as intraperitoneal injection, anesthesia monitoring, blood collection, euthanasia, and cervical dislocation under NASA supervision.
5. Procurement and husbandry of mice (5 adult female C57Bl6 per half day), including supplies and daily health checks.
6. Provision of anesthetic agents and necessary laboratory supplies for training sessions.

Period of Performance
Award through November 2026

Place of Performance
K2 Biolabs, 2710 Reed Rd Ste 160, Houston, TX 77051

Bidder Requirements
The facility must be Public Health Service (PHS) assured and AALAC accredited, located within 40 miles of NASA’s Johnson Space Center. The contractor must have experience in providing animal care services compliant with NASA's standards.