Sources Sought: Optometrist Services to be provided at the Woodrow Wilson Keeble Memorial Health Care Center, Sisseton, SD.
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), Great Plains Area Office, is conducting a Sources Sought to identify qualified firms capable of providing Optometrist Services at the Woodrow Wilson Keeble Memorial Health Care Center (WWKMHCC) in Sisseton, SD. This market research aims to determine the availability of Indian Small Businesses Economic Enterprise (ISBEE), Indian Economic Enterprises (IEE), or Other Small Businesses for a potential 12-month contract. Responses are due by July 2, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. Central Time.
Scope of Work
The primary objective is to provide uninterrupted Optometry services, utilizing up to two (2) contract optometrists. Services will be compatible with IHS facilities and equipment, offering a scope of care equivalent to a rural civilian practice. Key responsibilities include providing coverage during permanent staff absences, conducting examinations, diagnoses, treatment plans, and follow-ups, including specialty and emergency care. Optometrists will refer individuals for consultation, prescribe therapy, participate in the Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH) model, educate patients, and utilize Electronic Health Record (EHR) software. Performance standards include seeing 12-16 patients daily, completing chart documentation within 72 hours, and maintaining 95% compliance with privacy regulations.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought (for market research only)
- Anticipated Contract Type: Firm Fixed-Price, non-personal health care services purchase order.
- Anticipated Duration: 12 months from date of award.
- Set-Aside: Buy Indian Set-Aside (specific to Department of Health and Human Services).
- Response Due: July 2, 2026, 1:00 p.m. Central Time.
- Published: June 18, 2026.
- Place of Performance: Woodrow Wilson Keeble Memorial Health Care Center, Sisseton, SD.
Requirements & Qualifications
Contractors must be able to provide qualified optometrist coverage in a timely manner, assist with credentialing and background investigations, and supply clinically competent optometrists who are customer-friendly and culturally sensitive. Contract Optometrists must possess a Doctor of Optometry degree from an ACOE-accredited program, a current unrestricted license from any U.S. state/territory, current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification, and either a one-year residency or one year of professional experience within the last 24 months. They must be proficient in EHR, fluent in English, and meet health requirements including current immunizations. The contractor is responsible for medical liability insurance, employee taxes, and travel reimbursements.
Submission Details
Interested parties must submit a capability statement (max 10 single-sided pages, 12-point font) via email to Andrea Whipple (Andrea.Whipple@ihs.gov). The statement should include an overview of the respondent's opinions on the requirement's feasibility, current capability and capacity, prior similar experience, organizational experience, examples of past government contracts, UEI number, organization name, address, point of contact, and business size/type (e.g., 8(a), HUBZone). The email subject line must include "Sources Sought Number IHS-SS-26-1525158".
Additional Notes
This is for informational and planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation or obligation by IHS. IHS does not intend to award a contract based on responses and will not pay for preparation of information submitted. A pre-solicitation synopsis and solicitation may be published later. All invoices will be processed via the Invoice Processing Platform (IPP).