Clinical Reference Laboratory Testing Services - Government Response to DRAFT RFP Q&As
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 Defense Health Agency (DHA) has issued a Special Notice providing new and revised Government responses to industry questions and feedback regarding the DRAFT Request for Proposal (RFP) HT001526RE001 for Clinical Reference Laboratory Testing Services. These clarifications are crucial for potential bidders preparing proposals.
Key Clarifications
- Formatting: Narrative text requires a minimum 11-point font, while text within tables and illustrations requires 9-point.
- Basis of Award: The best-value tradeoff will be between Past Performance and Price. Technical evaluation will be on an Acceptable/Unacceptable basis.
- Small Business Subcontracting: A minimum of 30% Total Small Business participation is required. Offerors unable to meet this must provide detailed explanations and verifiable Good Faith Efforts.
- New York State Licensing: This requirement applies only "where applicable," specifically if laboratories process specimens originating from New York State.
- Information Assurance Staff: Staff are not required to be located at a DoD facility but must comply with requirements for all contractors accessing DHA, DoW, or MHS Genesis networks.
- Volume Discrepancy: Estimated quantities for CLINs 0002, 0003, 1002, and 1003 have been revised to reflect five-year estimated quantities, not guaranteed volumes.
- CMMC Compliance: CMMC compliance is a condition of award, not proposal submission. A current CMMC status must be posted in SPRS at the time of contract award. PHI, PII, and CUI handled under this contract will be treated as CUI.
Impact on Bidders
These clarifications have resulted in revisions to sections of the DRAFT solicitation, including Attachment 2 (Addendum to FAR 52.212-1) and the Performance Work Statement (PWS). Bidders are strongly advised to review the updated documents and these responses thoroughly to ensure accurate and compliant proposal preparation.
Contract & Timeline
- Opportunity Type: Special Notice (Clarification for DRAFT RFP HT001526RE001)
- Product Service Code: Q301 (Reference Laboratory Testing)
- Published Date: April 23, 2026
- Response Date (for DRAFT RFP): April 29, 2026
- Set-Aside: None specified
Contacts
- Primary: Tamara Fenwick (tamara.k.fenwick.civ@health.mil)
- Secondary: Michael T. Bilicki (michael.t.bilicki.civ@health.mil)