Bid guide

How to bid on a Large Capacity Nonhuman Primate Cage and Rack Washer for NIH

National Institutes of Health Bethesda, MDCloses September 21, 2026

What the agency is buying and why it matters

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) intends to purchase a Tecniplast Atlantis EVO XL large-capacity nonhuman primate cage and rack washer. This system is needed to replace an aging unit at the NIH's Bethesda, Maryland campus.

The new washer will handle nonhuman primate cages, transport equipment, racks, feeders, and other husbandry items. It must integrate with the existing HVAC system for exhaust and achieve a processing cycle time of approximately 20 minutes. This equipment is critical for supporting daily animal care operations and maintaining compliance with animal welfare standards.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

This is a Notice of Intent, not a solicitation for proposals. It was published on September 11, 2026. The deadline for any interested parties to respond to this notice is September 21, 2026, at 1:00 PM ET.

Since this is a sole-source notice, the NIH intends to negotiate directly with Tecniplast USA, Inc. No competitive solicitation is planned. The purpose of this notice is to inform the public of this intent.

Who this opportunity suits

This notice is specifically for Tecniplast USA, Inc., as the NIH has determined that only the Tecniplast Atlantis EVO XL model can meet their unique facility requirements, particularly regarding HVAC-integrated exhaust compatibility and a specific processing cycle time. The statutory authority cited is for situations where only one responsible source can satisfy agency requirements.

Other vendors would only be relevant if they can demonstrate that they can provide a system that precisely matches the specified Tecniplast model and meets all the unique requirements, especially the HVAC integration without new roof penetration and the 20-minute cycle time.

How to respond to this notice

To view the original source of this notice, click “View original source” on the portal. If the first click takes you to the portal’s homepage, click it again to go directly to the bid. You may need a free account to view any associated documents.

If you believe you can provide a system that fully meets the exact requirements outlined, you would need to contact the agency directly to express your interest and provide supporting documentation before the stated deadline. However, the notice explicitly states no substitutions are possible and no solicitation will be posted.

Practical tips for preparing a competitive response

When responding to any government notice, even a sole-source one, ensure your communication is clear, concise, and directly addresses the agency's stated needs. If you are challenging a sole-source determination, you must provide compelling evidence that your product or service is equivalent or superior and meets all critical requirements.

Always refer to the specific solicitation number or notice identifier in your correspondence. Clearly articulate how your offering meets each requirement, especially any unique or critical specifications. Provide technical data, specifications, and any relevant certifications to support your claims.

See the live bid — deadline, agency details, and how to respond

Dates and requirements can change via addenda; always verify on the bid page and at the original source before responding.

View this bid on BiddingSimple

This guide was prepared by BiddingSimple from the solicitation’s public posting. It is not official guidance from National Institutes of Health; the original posting controls.