Notice of Intent to Sole Source NMS Labs
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 Defense Health Agency Contracting Activity (DHACA), on behalf of the Armed Forces Medical Examiners System (AFMES), has issued a Notice of Intent to Sole Source a contract to NMS Labs for forensic toxicology testing services. This is not a request for competitive quotes, but interested sources may submit capability statements. Capability statements are due by February 28, 2026, at 0900 EST.
Scope of Work
The objective is to provide external forensic toxicology testing for infrequent drugs or analytes that the DHA's Division of Forensic Toxicology (DFT) cannot test or quantitate. Services include:
- Accurate, forensic analysis and results for submitted specimens (blood, urine, vitreous, tissue).
- A variety of validated, quantitative, forensic toxicology tests, including carbon monoxide, electrolytes, glucose, caffeine, buprenorphine, barbiturates, and novel psychoactive substances.
- Continuous updates to available tests to maintain relevancy.
- Contractor must be certified by the American Board of Forensic Toxicology (ABFT) or ISO 17025.
- Availability telephonically Monday-Friday, 0800-1700 EST.
- Prompt return of specimens to DFT upon completion of testing.
- Monthly reports to the Contracting Officer Representative (COR).
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Notice of Intent to Award a Firm Fixed Price Sole Source Contract (FAR 6.103-1)
- NAICS Code: 541380 (Business Size Standard: $19.0 million)
- Set-Aside: Not Applicable (Sole Source to NMS Labs, a large business concern)
- Period of Performance: Base Year (March 1, 2026 – February 28, 2027) plus four Option Years, extending through February 28, 2031. A potential six-month extension is also noted.
- Place of Performance: Dover Air Force Base, Dover, DE 19902.
- Capability Statement Due: February 28, 2026, 0900 EST
- Published Date: February 20, 2026
Submission Requirements
Sources interested in responding must submit a capability statement (maximum 6 pages, 8.5 x 11 inch, 12-point font) that includes management, technical, and cost information. It must clearly demonstrate the capability to perform the required work and provide valid capability to provide required services validated by NMS Labs. Submissions must be sent via email ONLY as a Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF attachment to alicia.maldonadotorres.civ@health.mil. The email subject line must be “Special Notice Number PANDHA-25-P-0000-030274.”
Additional Notes
This notice is for informational purposes only and is not a request for competitive proposals. The Government will consider received capability statements solely to determine whether to conduct a competitive procurement or proceed with a sole source award. No telephone requests or offers will be honored.