Q301-- Pharmacy Gloved Fingertip and Media Filled Testing

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

To ensure compliance with U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP) <797> Pharmaceutical Compounding-Sterile Preparations standards by evaluating the aseptic technique of sterile compounding personnel at the Michael E. DeBakey (MEDVAMC) Pharmacy Service through fingertip testing and other related services.

• Gloved Fingertip and Media-Fill Testing: Perform testing as required by USP <797>, observing gowning and compounding techniques, and monitoring medium-risk media-fill testing. Provide a detailed report.

• Initial Evaluation for New Employees: Conduct three observations of garbing and gloving procedures for new employees, perform fingertip tests for each hand after donning, and monitor medium-risk media fill testing. Provide a detailed report.

• Hazardous Drug Wipe Testing: Perform testing as required by USP <800> using an accredited laboratory's kit to analyze for specific hazardous drugs (Fluorouracil, Cyclophosphamide, Ifosfamide, Methotrexate, and platinum-containing drugs). Provide a detailed report.

• Additional Sampling: Collect additional fingertip plates and surface samples as per the latest USP <797> standards.

• All testing and reporting must comply with USP <797> and USP <800> standards.

• Reports must list each staff member, room, and hood individually per page.

• Location: Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, 2002 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77030.

• Timeframe: Testing shall be performed on an as-needed basis, as requested by MEDVAMC Pharmacy Service.

• Contractor Responsibilities: Provide one to two Controlled Environment Testing Association (CETA)-certified technicians. Ensure compliance with USP <797> and USP <800>.

• Government Responsibilities: Provide site access, escorts, adequate space, and necessary contact information for coordination.

Request for Information (RFI)

This RFI is issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs, Network Contracting Office 16, for the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) in Houston, Texas. The purpose is to gather market research to define the procurement strategy for a future solicitation regarding "Pharmacy Gloved Fingertip and Media Filled Testing." This notice is not a solicitation and does not commit the government to a contract.

The requirement is for aseptic technique evaluation via fingertip testing for sterile compounding personnel, as detailed in an attached Statement of Work (SOW).

• NAICS Code: 541380 – Testing Laboratories and Services (Size Standard: $19M)

• PSC Code: Q301 – Medical – Reference Laboratory Testing

• Anticipated Contract Type: Single Award, Firm Fixed Price, Base plus 4 option years.

• Response Deadline: March 6, 2026, 3:00 PM Central Time.

• Response Content: Potential contractors must provide:

  • Company Name
  • Point(s) of contact (Name, Address, Phone, Email)
  • Unique Entity Identifier (UEI#)
  • CAGE Code
  • Small business status (SB, SDVOSB, VOSB, HUBZone, 8A)
  • Confirmation of ability to provide training as outlined in the SOW.
  • Availability under existing Government Wide Agency Contracts (GWAC), SEWP, NAC, GSA Schedule, FSS, IDIQ, and/or BPA.
  • Estimated market research pricing.

• Subject Line: Reference the RFI number (36C25626Q0437).

This RFI aims to determine the appropriate procurement strategy, including potential set-asides (e.g., small business, sole source, or unrestricted). Small businesses are encouraged to respond.

• Information submitted is voluntary and will not be compensated.
• Restrictive or proprietary markings should not be used.
• Interested parties are responsible for monitoring Federal Contract Opportunities or GSA for future solicitations.
• If no responses are received from an authorized distributor, the action may be sole-sourced to the manufacturer.
• Contact: Robert (Dustan) Arabie, Contract Specialist (robert.arabie@va.gov).