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The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Division of Occupational Health and Safety (DOHS), Office of Research Services (ORS) is responsible for providing the integrated pest management (IPM) services that are an integral part of the comprehensive safety program at NIH. The objectives of the IPM program are the prevention and management of pests. IPM is a decision making process, using quantitative and qualitative information to determine when and what types of control measures are needed.

Independently and not as an agent of the Government, the Contractor shall be required to furnish all the necessary services, qualified personnel, special tools, equipment, parts, materials, supplies, and facilities not otherwise provided by the Government, as needed for the development and implementation of a comprehensive IPMP at the National Institutes of Health. The services will be performed at designated NIH animal care facilities located in Bethesda, Rockville, Gaithersburg, Poolesville, Fort Detrick, Baltimore, and Rocky Mountain Laboratories.

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals¹ provides the national guidelines applicable to research animal care. It is NIH policy that research animals used in intramural laboratories and in grantee institutions be managed according to these guidelines. The American Association for the Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International (AAALAC International) is an independent organization concerned with assuring appropriate care and treatment of research animals. This organization inspects animal research institutions including the NIH animal research and holding facilities to determine if they should be accredited. Accreditation is required for the holding and use of laboratory animals which is essential to NIH mission.

The Contractor shall be responsible for the following basic services under this contract: (1) IPMP plan review and modification; (2) IPMP plan implementation; and (3) IPM services including monitoring, surveillance, resolution of pest problems, emergency services and special requests, program coordination, quality control, planning and implementation, data management, reporting, and training.

At a minimum, the IPMP shall consist of weekly scheduled IPM services, to include at a minimum monitoring for pests (pests include any and all invertebrate and vertebrate animals), and surveying facilities for conditions that promote pest activity. The IPMP shall include routine and special meetings between the Contractor and NIH staff; training for NIH and other staff; the preparation and distribution of written summary evaluation reports using the IPMDMRS. These reports include recommendations for actions to be initiated by the NIH, animal facility staff, and the IPM Contractor, that will help resolve pest infestations and reduce conditions contributing to pest problems. The IPM contractor is responsible for solving any pest problems.