6640--FY26: Abbott iStat Point of Care Test NOTICE OF INTENT TO SOLE SOURCE
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The VA Network Contracting Office 8 (NCO-8) intends to issue a firm-fixed-price single-source procurement to Abbott Laboratories Inc. for FY26 Abbott iStat Point of Care Analyzers (Cost-Per-Test) and associated consumables. This procurement is for the VA Caribbean Healthcare System (VACHS) in San Juan, Puerto Rico, to replace outdated equipment. This is a Notice of Intent to Sole Source, not a request for competitive quotes. Firms can challenge this intent by March 4, 2026, at 13:00 Eastern Time Zone.
Scope of Work
The requirement is for Abbott iStat Point of Care Analyzers and consumables to provide critical medical testing. This includes tests for ACT, hs Troponin, basic metabolic panels with hemoglobin and hematocrit, blood gases with sodium, potassium, hemoglobin and hematocrit, creatinine, and glucose for critically ill patients. A key requirement is that these tests must be performed on a single platform/equipment to ensure high-quality testing and disease discovery.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Firm-Fixed-Price, Single-Source Procurement (under FAR 13.106-1(b))
- Period: FY26
- NAICS Code: 334516 (Business Size Standard: 1,000 employees)
- PSC Code: 6640 (Laboratory Equipment And Supplies)
- Response Deadline for Challenges: March 4, 2026, at 13:00 Eastern Time Zone
- Published Date: February 18, 2026
Rationale for Sole Source
The government's intent to sole source to Abbott Laboratories Inc. is based on the determination that only one company has the capability to perform all designated tests under a single platform. The current platform is outdated and requires replacement with a newer version of the Abbott i-STAT analyzers and consumables.
Challenging the Sole Source
This is not a request for competitive quotes, and no solicitation package is available. Firms that wish to challenge this sole-source determination must provide clear and convincing evidence of their capability to provide the required services/supplies and demonstrate that competition would be advantageous to the Government.
Submission Details for Challenges
- Method: Email
- Email Address: Darrin.Alexander2@va.gov
- Deadline: March 4, 2026, at 13:00 Eastern Time Zone
Additional Notes
The Government will not reimburse any costs associated with providing capability information. The decision not to compete this proposed contract, based on responses to this notice, is solely at the discretion of the Government.