6550--FY26: Automated Flow Cytometry CPT

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, VA Handbook 6500.6 Appendix B, provides a draft solicitation provision and contract clause related to Information and Information Technology Security Requirements. It is intended for inclusion in solicitations and contracts where VA Sensitive Information or Information Technology will be accessed or utilized.

• SUBPART 839.2 – INFORMATION AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SECURITY REQUIREMENTS: This section outlines the rationale for the clause, citing the threat of data breach and the need to comply with Federal laws and regulations. It specifies that the clause is to be used when VA sensitive information is accessed, used, stored, generated, transmitted, or exchanged in any format.
• 852.273-75 - SECURITY REQUIREMENTS FOR UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES (INTERIM- OCTOBER 2008): This is the specific clause to be inserted. It states that the contractor, personnel, and subcontractors must adhere to Federal laws, regulations, standards, and VA Directives and Handbooks concerning information and information system security as defined in the contract.

Bidders should review this document to understand the mandatory security requirements for information and information technology that will be applicable to any contract involving VA sensitive information. This clause will impact how contractors must handle and protect sensitive data and IT resources, and may influence resource allocation and compliance efforts during contract performance.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, VA NOTICE 24-12, dated April 22, 2024, serves to update VA Handbook 6500.6, Contract Security, specifically Appendix C, which contains VA Information and Information System Security/Privacy Language for Inclusion into Contracts. It replaces the previous version of Appendix C to incorporate updated security language.

• Purpose: To amend VA Handbook 6500.6, Contract Security, with updated security language for Appendix C.
• Policy: This notice replaces the existing Appendix C of VA Handbook 6500.6 with updated security language. This change is effective immediately and applies to the current version of the handbook.
• Scope: The updated Appendix C details extensive requirements for contractors regarding information security and privacy when handling VA information and systems. This includes:
  • General security and privacy compliance with federal laws, regulations, and VA directives.
  • Data/intellectual property rights, use of VA-provided information, and data segregation.
  • VA's right to conduct audits and investigations.
  • Restrictions on copying and use of VA information.
  • Requirements for encryption, firewalls, and security controls.
  • Procedures for reporting security incidents and data breaches.
  • Training requirements for personnel accessing VA information systems.
  • Specific requirements for information system design, development, hosting, operation, maintenance, and use.
  • Provisions for product integrity, anti-counterfeiting, and anti-tampering.
  • Requirements for handling viruses, firmware, and malware.
  • Cryptographic requirements and patching governance.
  • Provisions for specialized devices/systems, data center operations, and supply chain security.

This document is critical for any bidder responding to solicitations that require adherence to VA's information security and privacy standards. It outlines the comprehensive security obligations contractors must fulfill when working with VA information systems and data. Bidders should carefully review Appendix C to understand the security requirements, potential liabilities, and compliance measures necessary for contract performance. Failure to comply with these security provisions can lead to contract termination.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation, "36C24826Q0158," is for a Cost Per Reportable Result (CPRR) contract for Automated Flow Cytometer Instrumentation System, Reagents/Consumables, Support, and Maintenance for the Orlando VA Healthcare System (OVAHCS). The government intends to award a single contract to provide a comprehensive solution for the installation, maintenance, and operation of 10-16 Color Automated Flow Cytometer instrument(s).

• Installation, maintenance, and operation of 10-16 Color Automated Flow Cytometer instrument(s).

• Provision of necessary consumables and monoclonal antibodies for Leukemia/Lymphoma panels, Lymphocyte Subsets, and T-cell enumeration tests.

• Automated systems, ancillary equipment, installation, validation, calibration, technical support, training, repairs, and maintenance services.

• Equipment, reagents, and consumables must be cleared for clinical diagnostic use.

• Continuous inventory of reagents, standards, controls, supplies, disposables, and other materials.

• 24/7 technical assistance with a maximum callback response time of two hours.

• 90% uptime for all furnished equipment.

• Barcoding functionality with less than 0.5% failure rate.

• Initial and ongoing training for technical staff and pathologists.

• Contract Type: Cost Per Reportable Result (CPRR).

• Period of Performance: Base year (12 months) with four 12-month option periods.

• Guaranteed Minimum: $1,000.00 in supplies during the base year.

• NAICS Code: 334516 - Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing.

• Size Standard: 1000 Employees.

• Offer Due Date: January 9, 2026, 13:00 Local Time.

• Submission Method: Electronic copy via email to benjamin.amato@va.gov and susan.rodriguez-perez@va.gov.

• Evaluation Factors: Technical, Past Performance, and Price.

• Offers must meet minimum requirements; preference may be given for experience exceeding requirements.

• This acquisition is UNRESTRICTED.

• All quantities are estimates and not guaranteed.

• Pricing shall be based on the AVERAGE YEARLY TEST VOLUME per instrument.

• Attachments A and B (VA Handbook 6500.6 Appendix B and VA Notice 24-12 Update to VA Handbook 6500.6, Contract Security, Appendix C) are referenced.