Blood Unit Retypes and Immuno-hematological Testing Services
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 Billings Area Indian Health Service, Blackfeet Service Unit intends to award a firm fixed-price sole source contract to Northern Plains Laboratory for Blood Unit Retypes and Immuno-hematological Testing Services. This notice is not a request for competitive quotes, but interested parties may submit a statement of capabilities by March 25, 2026.
Purpose
The objective is to secure specialized blood unit retype and patient immunohematology testing services, which are required by FDA and CMS regulations and Joint Commission accreditation. These services are crucial for the Blood For Services Unit (BFSU) to store life-saving blood for patients requiring transfusions.
Scope of Work
The services include:
- Retyping approximately 300 units of blood annually, as required by regulation.
- Performing post-transfusion workups for all patients receiving blood, including ABO/Rh, Antibody Screen, and Compatibility Screen testing.
- Conducting full transfusion workups, including additional necessary tests, if a positive antibody screen occurs. All blood unit retypes and patient workup results must be returned by fax to BFSU within 24 hours of testing completion.
Contract Details
- Type: Firm Fixed-Price Sole Source Contract (Notice of Intent)
- Intended Awardee: Northern Plains Laboratory, Bismarck, ND
- NAICS: 621511 - Medical Laboratories
- PSC: Q301 - Reference Laboratory Testing
- Period of Performance: Base Year from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027.
- Place of Performance: Northern Plains Laboratory LLC, 401 N 9th Street, Bismarck, ND 58501.
Set-Aside
No Set-Aside (Sole Source under FAR Part 6.103-1, Only One Responsible Source).
Response Information
This is not a solicitation. However, if any interested party believes they can meet the requirement, they may submit a statement of capabilities. This statement must be in writing and provide clear, convincing evidence that competition would be advantageous to the Government. Submissions should be emailed as a Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF attachment to Shannon.Connelly@ihs.gov by March 25, 2026, at 6:00 PM ET. Costs associated with preparing and submitting responses will not be reimbursed.
Special Requirements
The performing laboratory must possess a current CLIA certificate authorizing high complexity testing. The vendor will receive electronic order forms, and the BFSU will handle and pay for the shipping of blood specimens.