EMERGENT REFERENCE LAB TESTING
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 Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is conducting a Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI) to identify potential sources for Emergent Reference Lab Testing services. These services are for patient specimens that are urgent/emergent, have limited viability, and cannot be performed at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center in Charleston, SC. The VA intends to issue a solicitation for these services and is using this RFI for market research purposes only. RFI responses are due November 19, 2025.
Scope of Work
The contractor will provide urgent/emergent laboratory testing, including but not limited to Mycobacteria Stains, Microbiology Specimens, Immunoperoxidase Stains, Therapeutic Drugs, Bone Marrow Workup, and Clotting Factor assays. STAT/emergent testing requires a turnaround time of 24 hours or less, with the contractor available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day for STAT testing.
Key Requirements & Deliverables
- Perform accurate laboratory testing and provide results within acceptable timeframes (24 hours for STAT).
- Provide electronic access to results and faxed reports to the P&LMS administrative office.
- Offer specimen courier services twice daily (Mon-Fri) and schedule STAT/off-route pickups as needed.
- Maintain a current/valid CMS CLIA Certificate for High Complexity Testing and a current/valid Laboratory Accrediting Agency Certificate (e.g., CAP, TJC).
- Provide special collection kits/containers/media/biohazard bags.
- Adhere to strict data security, privacy (HIPAA), and information confidentiality requirements.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI)
- NAICS Code: 621511 (Medical Laboratories)
- Anticipated SBA Size Standard: $41.5 Million
- Place of Performance: Ralph Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, SC
- Questions Due: November 19, 2025, 12:00 PM ET
- RFI Responses Due: November 19, 2025, 4:00 PM CST
- Published: November 13, 2025
Submission & Evaluation
This RFI is for market research; responses are voluntary and do not commit the Government to any acquisition. Vendors must answer specific questions detailed in the RFI regarding manufacturing origin, business size compliance, authorized distributorship, company capabilities, business size status, and existing contract vehicles. Supporting documentation and estimated market research pricing are requested. Responses will aid in defining the procurement strategy (e.g., set-aside, sole source, unrestricted).
Eligibility / Set-Aside
No specific set-aside has been determined yet. The VA is seeking to identify potential sources, and Small Business Concerns are strongly encouraged to respond.
Additional Notes
The full Statement of Work (SOW) is attached to the original notice. The VA does not accept grey market items; evidence of authorized distributorship is required. All submitted information is considered market research and is not binding on the Government.