Notice of Intent to Sole Source Award
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 Indian Health Service (IHS), Blackfeet Service Unit in Browning, MT, has issued a Notice of Intent to Award a Sole Source Contract for Blood and Blood Product services. The intended awardee is The American National Red Cross. Responses challenging this intent are due by March 23, 2026.
Scope of Work
This requirement is for the provision of human blood and blood products necessary to support patient care activities at the Blackfeet Service Unit. The services include ensuring timely availability of required blood types and components (e.g., red blood cells, plasma, platelets).
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Notice of Intent to Award a Sole Source, Firm-Fixed Price Contract
- Intended Awardee: The American National Red Cross (UEI: G69LHXJ3ABL5)
- Duration: Base Period (04/01/2026 – 03/31/2027) plus Two (2) Option Years (04/01/2027 – 03/31/2028 and 04/01/2028 – 03/31/2029).
- Estimated Value: Below the Simplified Acquisition Threshold.
- Set-Aside: Not Applicable (Sole Source Intent)
- Response Due: March 23, 2026, by 6:00 PM Z
- Published: March 13, 2026
Evaluation
The sole source action is pursuing a waiver from competitive procurement under FAR 6.302-1, citing only one responsible source. The American Red Cross is deemed uniquely qualified due to its established capability to supply regulated blood components meeting clinical, safety, and regulatory standards, as well as its established blood supply network, distribution capability, proximity, and logistical infrastructure for rapid fulfillment of routine and urgent transfusion needs.
Responses to this notice must demonstrate clear and convincing evidence that competition would be advantageous to the Government, not cost or time prohibitive, and would not hinder the agency's mission objective. The determination not to compete remains at the Government's discretion.
Additional Notes
This is not a solicitation or a request for quote. The Government will not be responsible for any costs incurred for responding to this notice. Questions or comments should be directed to Purchasing Agent Teri Kittson via email at teri.kittson@ihs.gov. The subject line must include: "Notice of Intent Questions Submission – BFSU Blood and Blood Products Services."