AN41--Research Services Neural Stem Cell Study for Spinal Cord Injury Pre-solicitation Notice with Intent to Sole Source

PROCUREMENT OVERVIEW:
The Veterans Affairs Department is seeking research services for a Neural Stem Cell Study focused on spinal cord injury. The core objective of this project is to advance understanding and treatment options for spinal cord injuries using neural stem cells. This research is critical for improving outcomes for veterans suffering from such injuries, highlighting the need for specialized expertise in stem cell research and spinal cord rehabilitation.

ISSUING ORGANIZATION:
The issuing organization is the Department of Veterans Affairs, specifically the RPO East located in Pennsylvania, USA. The primary contact for this opportunity is Ann Marie Stewart, who can be reached via email at [email protected].

KEY DATES:

• Posted Date: August 5, 2026
• Proposal Due Date: August 10, 2026
• Anticipated Award Date: Not specified
• Performance Period: Not specified

CONTRACT DETAILS:
The contract type is expected to be sole source, indicating that the award will not be open to competitive bidding. The estimated contract value or budget range has not been disclosed. There are no mentions of option years.

MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS:
To be considered eligible for this opportunity, bidders must meet the following mandatory requirements:

• Required certifications and registrations: Bidders must be registered in SAM.gov.
• Set-aside restrictions: There are no specific set-aside restrictions mentioned.
• Geographic restrictions: No geographic restrictions are noted.
• Minimum years of experience: Bidders should have relevant experience in stem cell research and spinal cord injury studies.
• Insurance requirements: No specific bonding or insurance requirements are mentioned.

TECHNICAL CAPABILITIES:
Bidders must demonstrate specific technical skills in stem cell research methodologies, particularly those related to neural stem cells and spinal cord injuries. Familiarity with relevant research protocols, ethical considerations in human subjects research, and compliance with VA regulations is essential.

DELIVERABLES AND PERFORMANCE STANDARDS:
The RFP does not specify detailed deliverables, milestones, or performance metrics. However, bidders should be prepared to outline their research methodologies, expected outcomes, and reporting processes to ensure compliance with VA standards.

EVALUATION CRITERIA:
While specific evaluation criteria are not detailed, proposals are likely to be evaluated based on the technical approach, relevant past performance, and overall capability to meet the project objectives. The evaluation may lean towards a best-value approach rather than solely lowest-price technically acceptable.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Preferred qualifications include advanced degrees in relevant fields (e.g., neuroscience, biomedical engineering), prior experience with VA projects, and a proven track record of successful research outcomes in similar studies. Additional certifications in research ethics or compliance may also enhance a bidder's proposal.

This summary encapsulates the essential details necessary for potential bidders to assess their fit for the opportunity presented by the Department of Veterans Affairs.