ISBEE/IEE Sources Sought - Oral Surgeon Services for Blackfeet SU

Sources Sought Notice

This notice seeks to identify potential sources for oral surgical services at the Blackfeet Community Hospital Dental Clinic in Browning, Montana. The Indian Health Service (IHS) is specifically looking for Indian Small Business Economic Enterprises (ISBEEs) and Indian Economic Enterprises (IEE) to potentially perform this requirement, leveraging the Buy Indian Act for preference. This is not a solicitation for proposals.

• NAICS Code: 621210 Offices of Dentists

• Size Standard: $9 Million

• Duration: One (1) Year with Four (4) Option Years

• Work Schedule: Weekdays, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.

• Services: Provide oral surgical services at the Blackfeet Community Hospital Dental Clinic.

• Location: Blackfeet Indian Reservation, northwest Montana.

• Eligibility: Preference will be given to Indian Economic Enterprises (IEE) and Indian Small Business Economic Enterprises (ISBEEs). An IEE is defined as a business where Indians, Federally Recognized Indian Tribes, or Alaska Native Corporations own at least 51%, receive at least 51% of the earnings, and control management and daily operations.

• Response Requirements: Vendors must submit a capability statement demonstrating their ability to perform the work, including:

  • Provider Availability and Qualification Verification (roster, credentials, timeframe).
  • Provider Roster Transparency (names/number of oral surgeons, location, specialty, availability).
  • Commitment to In-Person Service Delivery (confirmation of ability to provide services as scheduled, limitations, approach to consistent presence, backup protocols).
  • Additional Information (firm details, UEI, Buy Indian Act Representation Form, past performance, demonstration of 51% earnings and Indian control).

• Submission Deadline: No later than 15 days from the date of the sources sought announcement.

• Submission Email: Prudence.Yellowowl@ihs.gov

Responses are requested to assist in determining the acquisition strategy. Failure to address specific items in the capability statement could exclude a firm from being determined a capable IEE/ISBEE source.

Statement of Work (SOW)

To provide long-term oral surgical services at the Blackfeet Community Hospital Dental Clinic, reducing the need for offsite referrals for Native American individuals living on or near the Blackfeet Indian Reservation.

• Provide direct oral surgical services, including but not limited to: extractions, surgical extractions, root recovery, oral antral fistula closure, tooth replantation/transplantation, surgical exposure of unerupted teeth, biopsies, alveoloplasty, electrosurgery, removal of exostosis, incision and drainage of abscesses, and frenulectomies.

• Establish emergency airways and perform intra/extra oral tissue suturing.

• Provide diagnostic and consultation services to dental and medical staff.

• Prepare and complete medical records in accordance with Blackfeet Service Unit medical by-laws.

• Comply with Indian Health Service facility infection control and safety procedures.

• Adhere to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and The Joint Commission (TJC) standards for patient care.

• Services must be consistent with Indian Health Services criteria and standards.

• Adherence to CMS and TJC standards for patient care processes.

• Place of Performance: Blackfeet Community Hospital Dental Department, Browning, Montana.

• Period of Performance: January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026, with four potential 12-month option periods extending through December 31, 2030.

• Work Schedule: Weekdays, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.

• Contractor must hold an active, unrestricted dental license in any state.

• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification is required.

• Must have obtained a DDS degree from an accredited U.S. Dental School.

• Must have completed an oral surgery residency in an accredited U.S. Oral Surgery Program.

• Must complete site-specific privileging.

• Provider must obtain credentials/privileges to provide care at the Blackfeet Service Unit.

• A background check and security clearance are required for personal service contracts.

• The Contractor is considered an independent contractor and must maintain medical liability insurance.

• The IHS will provide necessary equipment, supplies, physical space, specialized medical equipment, desks, chairs, computers, telephones, and access to the hospital's electronic health record (EHR) system.

• The Blackfeet Service Unit will facilitate Contractor access and clearance to necessary computer services.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is the "Indian Economic Enterprise Representation Form" required by the Indian Health Service under the Buy Indian Act. It serves as a self-certification for offerors to confirm they meet the definition of an "Indian Economic Enterprise" (IEE) as defined by HHSAR 326.601. This form is to be submitted in response to a Sources Sought Notice, Request for Information (RFI), or Solicitation.

• Eligibility Period: The enterprise must meet the IEE definition at the time of offer, contract award, and throughout the contract performance period. Any change in eligibility requires immediate notification to the Contracting Officer.
• Documentation: Contracting Officers may request documentation of eligibility before awarding set-aside or sole source contracts under the Buy Indian Act. Awards may be subject to protest if eligibility is questioned.
• Registration: Successful Offerors must be registered in the System of Award Management (SAM).
• Penalties: False or misleading information is a violation of law, punishable under 18 U.S.C. 1001, and false claims are subject to penalties under 31 U.S.C. 3729-3731 and 18 U.S.C. 287.
• Representation: Offerors must indicate whether they meet the definition of an "Indian Economic Enterprise" with "Indian Ownership."
• Required Fields: Name of Federally Recognized Tribal Entity, Name of the 51% owner of IEE Firm, Business Name, UEI SAM Number, Certifying Signature, and Print Name.

This form is critical for any bidder seeking to qualify for contracts under the Buy Indian Act. Bidders must accurately complete this self-certification to demonstrate their eligibility. Failure to meet the IEE definition or provide accurate information can lead to disqualification or penalties. Bidders should ensure they understand the definition and requirements of an "Indian Economic Enterprise" before completing and submitting this form.