Q301--REFERENCE LAB TESTING
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), Network Contracting Office 16, is soliciting proposals for Reference Laboratory Specialized Testing services to support the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System in Little Rock, AR. This is a Combined Synopsis/Solicitation issued under Full and Open competition. Quotes are due March 6, 2026.
Scope of Work
The requirement is for direct reference laboratory testing services, specifically those not available through the current "pass-through" contract. Key services include various antibody assays, molecular detection tests, and other specialized laboratory analyses as detailed in the Statement of Work (SOW). Direct testing at the contractor's facility is mandatory; "pass-through" testing is not acceptable due to concerns about specimen integrity and timely results. The contract should also allow for sending samples to the reference laboratory if specimen volume is insufficient for multiple laboratories.
Contract & Timeline
- Contract Type: Firm-Fixed Priced Open-Market Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA).
- Period of Performance: April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2031 (5 years).
- Set-Aside: Full and Open Competition.
- NAICS Code: 621511 (Medical and Diagnostic Laboratories), Size Standard: $41.5M.
- Product/Service Code: 6630 (Chemical Analysis Instruments).
Submission & Evaluation
- Questions Due: February 27, 2026, by 10:00 A.M. Central Time.
- Quotes Due: March 6, 2026, by 1:00 P.M. Central Time.
- Submission Method: Electronic submission via email to arlene.blade@va.gov. The subject line must include "Combined Synopsis/Solicitation Number 36C25626Q0367".
- Required Submissions: Offerors must provide a completed "Schedule" of Supplies/Services and Prices/Costs, proof of CLIA certification, and three relevant past performance references.
- Evaluation Factors: Proposals will be evaluated based on Technical Data (Pass/Fail), Past Performance, and Price. Award will be made to the responsible offeror whose offer is most advantageous to the Government, considering price and other factors.
Additional Notes
Site visits are not permitted for this opportunity. The Past Performance Questionnaire (Attachment A) outlines the specific performance areas that will be assessed, including courier services, testing quality and timeliness, customer service, and interconnection success (e.g., LIS connectivity).