Specimen Analysis for Research Project IN DEPTH

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

This SOW outlines the requirements for a contractor to perform specimen analysis (blood and urine) for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Project IN-DEPTH. The project aims to study the etiology of Gulf War Illness (GWI) in Gulf War Veterans.

• Accessioning Participant Samples: Receiving and accessioning blood samples into the contractor's system, and maintaining/transferring patient health data in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

• Perform Blood Tests: Conducting exclusionary screening tests including Lipid panel, Hemoglobin A1c, HIV, ANA, Rheumatoid factor, Hepatitis panel, Lyme antibody screen, Chem 23, CBC with differentials, Thyroid stimulating hormone, free thyroxine, triiodothyronine, Urinalysis, urine toxicology screen, Iron, ferritin, transferrin saturation, Rapid plasma reagin, Quantitative immunoglobins, Vitamin B12, 25(OH) Vitamin D, Creatine Kinase, ESR, d-dimer, Prothrombin time, INR, and PTT.

• Perform Sex Hormone Assays: Conducting assays for testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone for both men and women.

• The period of performance is for a base year and two one-year option periods, starting from the date of award.

• The estimated number of patients is 150, with the period of performance estimated from January 2026 to 2029.

• Contract Type: Fixed price, Indefinite Delivery, Requirements Contract.

• Data Handling: Contractor must adhere to strict VA information security and privacy requirements, including data protection, encryption, and secure transmission of sensitive information. Unauthorized use or disclosure of VA information is prohibited.

• Security: Compliance with Federal and VA laws, regulations, and directives regarding information security is mandatory. This includes training, background investigations, and reporting of security incidents.

• Reporting: Invoicing will be submitted monthly in arrears. Technical questions should be directed to the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR).

• Data Breach: The contractor is liable for liquidated damages in the event of a data breach involving sensitive personal information.

Sources Sought Notice

This notice is issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Network Contracting Office 5, for market research purposes. The VA is seeking to determine the availability of qualified contractors capable of providing specimen analysis services for the 'Project IN-DEPTH' research study. This study focuses on the etiology of Gulf War Illnesses in Gulf War Veterans.

• The primary service required is human specimen analysis, specifically blood and urine.

• This analysis is to support the VA-NIH Collaboration Recruitment to NIH Intramural Clinical Services study.

• This notice does not constitute a Request for Quotation (RFQ) or a promise to issue one.

• The U.S. Government will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred in response to this notice.

• Submittals will not be returned.

• Not responding does not preclude future participation in any potential RFQ.

• Interested and capable respondents must submit:

  • Business name, address, business type, socio-economic status, and point of contact information.
  • Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number.
  • Confirmation if the company is considered small under NAICS code 541715.
  • A capability statement and summary of previous experience demonstrating ability to provide specimen analysis services with approved research protocols.
  • Information on whether they hold a GSA Federal Supply Schedule contract and the contract number.

• Responses must be submitted via email to veronica.dillard@va.gov.

• Response Deadline: February 16, 2026, by 1:00 PM (EDT).

• NAICS Code: 541715 (Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences).

• Respondents are asked to indicate their socio-economic status (e.g., Veteran-Owned, Woman-Owned, Disadvantaged Small Business, Women Owned Small Business, 8(a), Large Business).

• Companies should clearly identify any sensitive or proprietary information.

• The enrollment period for Project IN-DEPTH lasts through the end of 2028.