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Agencies

National Institutes of Health(NIH)

The primary federal agency for medical and health research, and a major procurer of research services, biomedical equipment, and IT.

Overview

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is part of the Department of Health and Human Services and supports biomedical research to improve public health. NIH awards contracts for research support, lab equipment, IT systems, facility operations, and professional services. It also manages NIH CIO-SP3 and other GWACs.

Why It Matters in GovCon

NIH is a major buyer of research and professional services. Its procurement spans IT GWACs, IDIQs for research support, and set-asides for small businesses. Life sciences, IT, and professional services firms frequently pursue NIH opportunities.

Key Details

  • GWACs: NIH CIO-SP3, CIO-SP4 for IT and professional services.
  • Research Support: Contracts for lab management, animal care, clinical research support.
  • Set-Asides: Active user of small business set-asides.
  • Institutes and Centers: Multiple institutes (NCI, NIAID, etc.) with decentralized buying.

Related Terms

  • NIH CIO-SP3
  • Government-Wide Acquisition Contract (GWAC)
  • Health and Human Services (HHS)
  • Research and Development

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