Telecor QML middleware (Notice of Intent to Sole Source)
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 National Institutes of Health (NIH) Clinical Center has issued a Notice of Intent to Sole Source for the annual renewal of Telcor QML® middleware software support and interface licenses. This proprietary system is critical for managing Point-of-Care (POC) device interfaces, ensuring secure transmission of patient test results and compliance with regulatory standards. The NIH intends to negotiate with Telecor Inc. due to the system's proprietary nature and the unacceptable downtime that would result from replacement. Capability statements from other sources are due by February 5, 2026.
Purpose & Justification
The NIH Clinical Center's Department of Clinical Research Informatics (DCRI) relies on the Telcor QML® middleware as the central system for all POC testing interfaces, integrating hundreds of decentralized testing instruments with NIH’s clinical systems (Soft LIS and CRIS). Annual renewal of software support and interface licenses is essential for uninterrupted operation, data integrity, and compliance with CAP, CLIA, and NIH IT security standards.
The justification for sole-sourcing to Telecor Inc. is based on the proprietary nature of the QML® software, meaning only the OEM can provide authorized maintenance, updates, and technical support. Replacing the system would necessitate a complete redevelopment of the middleware architecture, extensive revalidation, and would cause unacceptable downtime for critical patient care systems. Other middleware vendors are not compatible with the existing Telcor QML environment.
Scope of Work
The requirement is for the renewal of Telcor QML middleware licenses and maintenance support. This includes:
- Renewing licenses for the Telcor QML system and its interfaces.
- Applying necessary software patches and upgrades.
- Providing 24x7 technical support.
- Maintaining HL7 data communication integrity between the Laboratory Information System (LIS), Electronic Medical Record (EMR), and Point-of-Care (POC) devices.
- Compliance with NIH IT security, HHS IS2P, and FISMA Moderate standards.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Notice of Intent to Sole Source (Presolicitation)
- Product/Service Code: 7A20 (Application Development Software)
- Period of Performance: January 1, 2026 – December 31, 2026
- Place of Performance: NIH Clinical Center, Bethesda, MD (services performed remotely)
- Statutory Authority: 41 U.S.C. 1901 (a) (1) as implemented by FAR 13.106-1
- Published: January 30, 2026
Response Information
This is not a request for proposal. All responsible sources that believe they can provide the required services may submit a capability statement via email to lu-chang.lu@nih.gov. The subject line must reference NOI-CC-26-000843. Capability statements are due by 09:00 AM Eastern Standard Time on February 5, 2026. A determination not to compete this requirement, based on responses, is solely at the Government's discretion.