NOI - A Non-Invasive Prognostic Biomarker

(i) This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in FAR Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; proposals are being requested, and a separate written solicitation will not be issued. (ii) The solicitation number is 75N98027Q00001. This solicitation is issued as a Notice of Intent (NOI) for a non-competitive combined synopsis/solicitation to award a contract or purchase order without providing for full and open competition (including brand-name, if applicable). This acquisition is conducted under the authority of FAR 12.603, Streamlined Solicitation for Commercial Products or Commercial Services, and is not expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. Additional authority includes 41 U.S.C. 1901 and FAR 6.302-3(a)(2)(ii). The National Institutes of Health (NIH), Office of the Director, Office of Acquisitions, intends to negotiate and award a firm-fixed-price purchase order on a non-competitive basis to University of Alabama at Birmingham, 701 S 20th Street, Birmingham, AL 35294-0001-0001, for research support to develop and validate circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) as a blood-based biomarker of chlorine-induced acute lung injury, using the Matalon Laboratory's sole-source validated murine chlorine inhalation injury model, established mechanistic expertise, access to its actively enrolling aspiration pneumonitis biorepository (human proxy cohort), existing collaborative infrastructure with the NHLBI Laboratory of Precision Omics, and continuity with peer-reviewed federal funding (NIH R01 HL031197). These capabilities are not available from any other source and are essential to the project's feasibility. (iii) The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2026-01, effective 03/13/2026. (iv) The associated NAICS code is 541714, Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology), and the small business size standard is 1,000 employees. This requirement is not set aside for small business.