Bid guide
How to bid on Operation and Maintenance of the Federal Chimpanzee Sanctuary System for Retired Chimpanzees for the Department of Health and Human Services
What the NIH is buying and why it matters
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is conducting market research to find qualified nonprofit organizations to operate the federal chimpanzee sanctuary system. This system provides lifetime care for up to 300 chimpanzees that were previously used in or bred for federal research.
This is an important opportunity for nonprofit organizations with expertise in large-scale animal care, particularly nonhuman primates, to contribute to a significant federal program. The anticipated award is one cost-reimbursement contract with a one-year base period and four one-year option periods.
Key dates and what happens at the deadline
This is a Request for Information (RFI), not a solicitation for proposals. Responses are due by September 24, 2026, at 3:00 PM ET. All capability statements must be emailed to the listed NIH contracting officer by this deadline.
The purpose of this RFI is for the government to gather information from potential sources. This will help the NIH determine the appropriate acquisition method for a future contract, including whether a set-aside for specific business types is possible. No contract will be awarded directly from this RFI.
Who this opportunity suits
This opportunity is specifically for qualified nonprofit organizations. Firms must have existing facilities and capacity to house and care for up to 300 chimpanzees, including outdoor access and indoor shelter. Essential capabilities include comprehensive veterinary care, biosafety and quarantine capabilities, and 24/7/365 staffing.
Respondents must also demonstrate the financial capacity to meet a 25% non-Federal cost-share requirement. Required accreditations include AAALAC International accreditation (or the ability to achieve and maintain it), USDA registration, and OLAW Animal Welfare Assurance.
How to respond to this RFI
To respond, you need to prepare a capability statement that addresses several key areas. These include staff expertise (Facility Director, Veterinarians, Behaviorist, Colony Manager, animal care technicians), current in-house capability and capacity, prior completed projects of a similar nature (large-scale nonhuman primate care), and corporate experience and management capability (fiscal management, regulatory compliance).
You should also provide examples of prior completed Government contracts, references, and any history of USDA inspection findings. Your response must confirm your ability to comply with various animal welfare regulations and policies, such as the Animal Welfare Act and PHS Policy. Email your complete capability statement to the NIH contracting officer by the deadline.
Practical tips for preparing a competitive response
Even though this is an RFI, a thorough and well-structured response is crucial. Clearly articulate your organization's experience with large-scale animal care, especially nonhuman primates or chimpanzees. Detail your veterinary care protocols, emergency plans, and staffing model to demonstrate your ability to provide lifetime care.
Highlight your financial stability and your proven ability to meet cost-share requirements. If you have existing accreditations like AAALAC International, make sure to emphasize them. If not, clearly state your plan and timeline for achieving them. Provide concrete examples of past projects, including contract numbers and points of contact for references, to substantiate 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 BiddingSimpleThis 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.