Human Diagnostic and Laboratory Testing Services

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding Solicitation 12639526Q0045 for Human Diagnostic and Laboratory Testing Services, received by March 4, 2026.

• Incumbency: The government confirmed that an incumbent contractor is currently performing these services.
• Contract Details: Information regarding the incumbent vendor, including their name, contract number, award and end dates, and total contract value, will not be provided.
• Estimated Contract Value: The estimated contract value for this requirement will not be provided.
• New vs. Existing Contract: Bidders were informed that an incumbent is performing the services, and specific contract numbers for previous or current contracts will not be shared.

This Q&A document clarifies that the requirement is not new and that incumbent information will not be disclosed. It does not appear to modify any deadlines or submission rules, but bidders should note the lack of incumbent details and estimated value when preparing their proposals.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for Human Diagnostic and Laboratory Testing Services to support worker health and safety at the National Centers for Animal Health in Ames, Iowa. The government intends to award a single Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract with firm-fixed-price delivery orders.

Services include a wide range of diagnostic and laboratory tests as detailed in the "Schedule of Items" (CLIN 0001). This includes various antibody screens, blood counts, chemical profiles, and other specialized tests. The Statement of Work (Attachment 2) provides further details.

• Contract Type: Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) with firm-fixed-price delivery orders.

• Period of Performance: 4/1/2026 - 3/31/2031 (five ordering periods).

• Estimated Quantities: Listed per item in the "Schedule of Items" are estimates and do not represent minimum or maximum quantities.

• Submission: Contractors must submit pricing for all items. Detailed explanation of ability to perform services, including lab location, CLIA certification, and medical liability insurance proof, is required.

• Evaluation Criteria: Award will be made to the offeror representing the best value to the Government, based on the lowest price technically acceptable criteria. This includes evaluation of Price, Technical Acceptability, and Past Performance.

• Key Deadlines: Questions are due by March 4, 2026. Offers must hold prices for 90 calendar days.

• Minimum Eligibility Requirements: Offerors must be CLIA certified laboratories, located within 20 miles of specified locations, and maintain proof of required medical liability insurance.

• Attachments: Includes Statement of Work (Attachment 2), Pricing Sheet (Attachment 3), and Wage Determination (Attachment 4).

• Ordering Procedures: All orders are subject to the IDIQ contract terms and must be issued by an authorized Government Contracting Officer.

• Payment: "Net 30" payment terms. Invoices submitted via the Invoice Processing Platform (IPP).

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

To procure human diagnostic and laboratory services for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) at the National Centers for Animal Health (NCAH) in Ames, Iowa. These services will support the Occupational Medical Monitoring Program and a voluntary wellness screening program for approximately 250-350 employees annually.

• Provide diagnostic and laboratory services, including specimen collection, transport, testing, analysis, and reporting.

• Specific services include Rabies Rapid Fluorescent Focus Inhibition Testing (RFFIT), support for the Investigational New Drug (IND) Program, and inclusion in the NCAH Serum Bank Program.

• Services must be available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.

• Contractor must maintain CLIA certification for their off-site facility.

• Adherence to HIPAA, HITECH, and Privacy Act standards is required.

• Test results and/or reports must be delivered within 14 days of specimen collection.

• Quality assurance will be assessed by the USDA COR, with general measures including on-time delivery, customer satisfaction, and innovative problem-solving.

• Performance Period: IDIQ with five ordering periods.

• Place of Performance: Primarily off-site at the contractor's facility (within 20 miles of NCAH), with on-site specimen collection services provided at the National Centers for Animal Health (NCAH) in Ames, Iowa, for specified periods.

• Contractor personnel must be qualified and properly cleared.

• Key personnel, including a Project/Program Manager, must be identified.

• Contractor employees must wear identification badges when on USDA facilities.

• Strict adherence to security, privacy, and records management regulations is required.

• Contractor must provide all necessary hardware and software, with limited government-furnished resources available.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a pricing sheet that outlines the specific laboratory services required for the opportunity. Bidders will need to use this sheet to provide their pricing for each listed service.

• Services: A list of specific laboratory tests and procedures, including Brucella Antibody Screen, Complete Blood Count (CBC) with and without differential, various Hepatitis and HIV screenings, Lipid Panel, Urinalysis, and Wellness Profiles, among others.
• Unit of Issue: Specifies the unit for each service (e.g., 'Each').
• Quantity: The estimated number of units required for each service.
• Ordering Periods: Details the quantities needed across five distinct ordering periods, spanning from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2031.

This pricing sheet is critical for bidders to understand the scope and volume of laboratory services required. It serves as the basis for developing a comprehensive and competitive price proposal. Bidders must carefully review the listed services and quantities for each ordering period to accurately cost their bid.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Wage Determination (No. 2015-4975, Revision No. 27) issued by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, Wage and Hour Division. It establishes the minimum wage rates and fringe benefits required for various occupations under the Service Contract Act for work performed in Iowa County of Story.

• Lists numerous occupational codes and titles.
• Specifies the minimum hourly wage rate for each occupation.
• Indicates that fringe benefits are required and follow the occupational listing.
• Includes notes on Executive Orders 13706 (Paid Sick Leave) and 13658 (Minimum Wage), outlining their applicability and requirements.
• Details standard benefits such as Health & Welfare, Vacation, and Holidays.
• Provides specific information regarding wage differentials for hazardous duty and night/Sunday pay.
• Outlines the process for requesting additional classifications and wage rates (conformance process) if an occupation is not listed.

This wage determination is critical for any bidder on a government contract subject to the Service Contract Act in the specified geographic area. It directly impacts labor costs by defining the minimum wages and benefits that must be paid to employees performing contract services. Bidders must ensure their proposed pricing accounts for these mandated rates to be compliant and competitive.