SSJ: Specialized Technical Support Services (STSS)

Summary (Newest Update)

Background The justification for an exception to the fair opportunity process is issued by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The goal of this contract is to provide critical support services that are essential to NIH's operations, particularly in supporting the Center for Information Technology (CIT) and its Executive Staff. The current contract is set to expire on May 31, 2026, and this request aims to modify the existing order to ensure continuity of these vital services while a competitive re-solicitation is prepared. Work Details The Specialized Technical Support Services (STSS) contract will provide a range of professional and administrative IT services including: - Project management - Technical writing - Financial analysis - Application development - Property management - Network security support - Telecommunication services - Executive support - Administrative services - Fleet management - Overall operational support. The modification will extend support for up to one year through one six-month option period and two three-month option periods. This approach aims to avoid any disruption in critical services such as management and tracking of NIH property, purchasing, travel support and administration, and financial support during the re-competition process. Period of Performance The contract modification will extend support for a maximum of one year from the current expiration date of May 31, 2026. This includes one six-month option period followed by two three-month option periods. Place of Performance The services will be performed at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), located at 6555 Rock Spring Drive, Bethesda, MD 20817. Bidder Requirements The incumbent contractor must demonstrate unique qualifications that justify a sole-source award. Specifically, Soft Tech Consulting, Inc. has been identified as the proposed contractor due to their established expertise in maintaining NIH data centers and managing various IT-related functions across NIH campuses. Incumbent Analysis (see Incumbents section for more detail) This opportunity appears to have a confirmed incumbent and/or closely related prior contract based on HHSN316201200018W-75N97025F00002, awarded to Deloitte Consulting for $2,541,103 (04/08/25–11/07/25). The prior award is described as Center for Information Technology, Information Technology Communications and Change Management Services (3-month bridge), which aligns with the current need for continued CIT-focused IT support and operational continuity while NIH prepares a re-solicitation.