NIH wants support for bioinformatics program

The National Institutes of Health wants information from contractors on their ability to provide portal and data center services essential to its Bionformatics Resource Centers program.

In a "sources sought notice" issued July 8, NIH is specifically encouraging small businesses to respond with statements of their capabilities. Once the agency has reviewed the capability statements, it will determine whether to set aside the opportunity exclusively for them, the notice states.

NIH wants contractors to submit capability statements that show their qualifications and experience as it relates to maintaining bioinformatics resources, providing facility space and supplying information technology infrastructure and equipment.

Those interested must be capable of establishing and maintaining a bioinformatics resource centers outfitted with scientific, Web-based databases that will support research on genomics and infectious disease pathogens. In addition, those that respond also should be capable of supporting and maintaining the program's information portal.

Interested small businesses must have their size status certified by the Small Business Administration. Responses are due by July 23.