Liposome Preparation for Experimental Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment

Joint Targeted Drug Delivery Approach for Arthritis Therapy Liposome Preparation Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting (NCO

05) 1. Purpose The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is conducting market research to identify qualified and experienced sources capable of producing specialized liposomal formulations incorporating patented joint targeting technologies. This notice is issued solely for information and planning purposes and does not constitute a solicitation. The VA seeks vendors capable of custom nanoparticle/liposome formulation, peptide functionalized delivery systems, drug encapsulation, and nanoparticle characterization. 2. Description of Requirement (High Level) The anticipated requirement includes preparation of liposomes using a patented lipid composition and a patented targeting peptide (ART 2), loading an anti arthritis drug, and performing standard physicochemical characterization. To protect VA owned intellectual property: Only limited non proprietary details are being released at this stage. Full technical specifications including the proprietary lipid composition, ratios, and ART 2 functionalization method will only be released after execution of a Confidential Disclosure Agreement (CDA) with the VA Technology Transfer Program. 3. Key Capability Areas of Interest Vendors should demonstrate capability and experience in the following areas: Custom liposome or nanoparticle formulation using sponsor specified lipid systems. Experience incorporating targeting peptides or ligands onto nanoparticle surfaces. Ability to encapsulate therapeutic compounds (e.g., dexamethasone) with documented encapsulation efficiency. Analytical capability for nanoparticle characterization, including: Particle size (nm) Zeta potential/surface charge Polydispersity Index (PDI) Drug loading quantification via LC MS/MS or HPLC Ability to deliver research grade formulations for non GLP exploratory studies. Experience producing Certificates of Analysis (COA) for nanoparticle based drug systems. 4. Security & Intellectual Property Restrictions Per the SOW, the lipid composition and ART 2 surface modification technology are proprietary and patented. Release of this information requires: A signed Confidential Disclosure Agreement (CDA) - with the VA Technology Transfer Program before any proprietary technical details can be shared with interested vendors. 5. NAICS & PSC Codes NAICS Code: 325412 Pharmaceutical Preparation Manufacturing (PSC): AJ13 R&D Biomedical, Advanced Development These codes reflect the technical nature of the work, which spans advanced drug delivery research, specialized formulation, and nanoparticle engineering. If you believe there is a better NAICS code to consider for this requirement, please provide your suggestions with your response. Contracting will review all suggestions. 6. Requested Vendor Response Interested vendors should submit a capability statement including: Company name, UEI, address, and

point of contact Overview of experience relevant to: Liposome/nanoparticle formulation Peptide or ligand functionalization Drug encapsulation and analytical characterization Description of laboratory capabilities, including readiness to perform non GLP research work. Relevant past performance examples Business size (SDVOSB, VOSB, small business, large business, etc.) 7. Submission Instructions All information shall be provided to the

Contracting officer for review no later than (NLT) July 29, 2026 0900 Eastern Standard Time.

Point of Contact for Responses

Contracting Officer: Robert O Keefe Jr. Email: [email protected] Please submit all capability statements directly to the