Whole Room Calorimeter Validation and Support

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in FAR 12.6 as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation and a separate written solicitation will not be issued. This solicitation number is 75N94026Q00045 and is issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ). The solicitation/contract will include all applicable provisions and clauses in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2025-06. The North American Industry Classification (NAICS) Code is 811210 and the business size standard is $34M. However, this solicitation is not set aside for small business. This acquisition is being conducted using Simplified Acquisition Procedures in accordance with FAR Part 13. The National Institutes of Health intends to procure on a sole source basis with MEI Research – 6016 Schaefer Rd – Edina, MN 55436 to provide Whole Room Calorimeter Validation and Support services of Metabolic Chambers for the NIH/National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK).

Background Information: The mission of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) is to conduct and support medical research and research training and to disseminate science-based information on diabetes and other endocrine and metabolic diseases; digestive diseases, nutritional disorders, and obesity; and kidney, urologic, and hematologic diseases, to improve people’s health and quality of life.

This service provides validation, calibration, and technical support for the metabolic chambers (respiration calorimeters) used in National Institutes of Health, National Institutes of Kidney, Diabetes, Digestive Disease (NIDDK) -supported human metabolism research at NIDDK- Phoenix. Services include calibration of gas analyzers, gas blending systems, and mass flow controllers, as well as system validation using controlled gas infusion to verify accurate measurement of oxygen consumption (VO₂) and carbon dioxide production (VCO₂). Validation activities confirm calorimeter performance under steady-state conditions and ensure accuracy within accepted standards (±5%). Services also include operator collaboration and training support during validation procedures.

Justification: MEI designed a custom laboratory to study human metabolism for NIH/NIDDK-PHX. The calorimeters were designed to the NIDDK Calorimeter Requirements and Specifications.The required services must be performed by MEI, which is a highly specialized vendor with proprietary software and technical expertise specific to the metabolic chamber systems used across NIH/NIDDK and academic research facilities. MEI’s proprietary calibration tools, validation methods, and software are integral to accurate system performance and are not available through other providers. Use of an alternate provider would risk compromised accuracy, data integrity, and noncompliance with federal research standards. Using the services of MEI will ensure consistent system performance, maintain compatibility with existing infrastructure, and support uninterrupted execution of NIH/NIDDK-funded research.

Period of Performance: 12 months after award of purchase order.

This will be a Firm-Fixed price purchase order.

This acquisition is conducted under the authority of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 13— Simplified Acquisition Procedures, Subpart 13.106-1 (b) (1), Soliciting from a single source and is not expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. Purchase Orders awarded using FAR Part 13— Simplified Acquisition Procedures are exempt from the requirements of FAR Part 6—Competition Requirements.

This acquisition is being conducted under Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) Part 13 – Simplified Acquisition Procedures, and the resultant purchase order/award will include all applicable provisions and clauses in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2025-06.

Closing Statement: This notice is not a request for competitive proposals. However, interested parties may identify their interest and capability to respond to this notice. Responses to this notice shall contain sufficient information to establish the interested parties’ bona-fide capabilities for fulfilling the requirements. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed action based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. The information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to proceed on a noncompetitive basis or to conduct competitive procurement.

Responses are due by February 18, 2026, before 10:00am eastern daylight time via email to robinsti@mail.nih.gov. Attn: Tina Robinson. All responses must be sent via email to robinsti@mail.nih.gov and must include solicitation #75N94026Q00045 in the subject line of email.

In order to receive an award, contractor must be registered as all awards and have valid certification in the System for Award Management (SAM) @ www.Sam.gov. Lack of valid registration in SAM will make an offeror ineligible for award. FAR Clause: An Offeror is required to be registered in SAM when submitting an offer or quotation and shall continue to be registered until time of award, during performance, and through final payment of any contract, basic agreement, basic ordering agreement, or blanket purchasing agreement resulting from this solicitation.