MFT and GFT Testing and Incubation Services at VA Sierra Nevada Healthcare System
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), specifically the VA Sierra Nevada Healthcare System (VASNHCS) in Reno, Nevada, is soliciting proposals for a non-Personal Services Contract to provide Environmental Microbiology Lab services. This opportunity focuses on MFT and GFT Testing and Incubation Services to ensure compliance with new 2023 USP <797> standards. This is a Small Business Set-Aside. Offers are due March 12, 2026, at 4:00 PM PDT.
Scope of Work
The selected contractor will provide comprehensive environmental microbiology lab services, including:
- Processing, incubating, analyzing, recording, and reporting results for microbiological surface samples, Gloved Fingertip and Thumb (GFT) samples, and Media Fill Testing (MFT).
- Supplying sampling kits for VA pharmacy personnel and materials for sample preservation and transport.
- Maintaining strict chain-of-custody documentation.
- Processing samples immediately according to ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and 2023 USP <797> standards.
- Reporting GFT results (colony forming units per plate) and MFT results (pass/fail).
- Notifying the VA of any test failures within one business day and providing sampling reports within three business days of testing completion.
Contract & Timeline
- Contract Type: Solicitation (implies fixed-price based on schedule)
- Period of Performance: Estimated from March 26, 2026, to March 25, 2031 (Base Year + 4 Option Years).
- Set-Aside: Small Business
- NAICS Code: 541380 (Testing Laboratories and Services) with a $19 Million size standard.
- Questions Due: March 3, 2026, 4:00 PM PST
- Offer Due Date: March 12, 2026, 4:00 PM PDT
- Published Date: February 26, 2026
Evaluation
Award will be made to the responsible Offeror whose proposal is most advantageous to the Government, based on evaluation of:
- Technical Qualifications: Includes laboratory accreditation (ISO/IEC 17025:2017, EMLAP), compliance with USP <797>, in-house capabilities, personnel qualifications (licensed microbiologists/technicians), and detailed procedures.
- Past Performance: Assessed using CPARS and FAPIIS, focusing on recent (within 3 years) and relevant work.
- Pricing: Evaluation will consider the total price for all contract line items, including options.
Additional Notes
- Offerors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM).
- Submission Method: Electronic via email to john.waldrip@va.gov. Quotes must be readable in Microsoft Office or Adobe PDF and limited to 5MB per email.
- Wage Determination WD 2015-5595 Revision 27 applies to this acquisition.