WARFIGHTER SCREENING
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 the Air Force, through the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), is conducting a Sources Sought to identify small business concerns capable of providing Warfighter Screening services. This involves procuring fully automated, high-throughput diagnostic testing platforms for immunoassays and molecular analysis at the USAF School of Aerospace Medicine Epidemiology Laboratory, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH. Responses are due by January 28, 2026.
Scope of Work
The requirement is for a five-year (base plus four option years) cost per test (kit) contract. It includes:
- Instrumentation and Automation: Fully automated, walk-away, integrated, random-access platforms.
- Services/Products: Middleware software, reagents, quality control, consumables (including collection kits), and comprehensive support.
- Tests: Immunoassays (HIV-1/2, HTLV I/II, HBsAg, Anti-HBc, Anti-HCV) and Nucleic Acid Amplification Assays (HIV ½, Hepatitis B Virus, Hepatitis C Virus). All assays must be FDA-approved for donor screening.
- Workload: Projected 30,000 tests in the base year, with a 20% annual increase.
- Performance Standards:
- Immunoassay Throughput: At least 280 results per hour.
- Nucleic Acid Amplification Throughput: At least 380 results per 8-hour shift.
- Uptime: Guaranteed minimum of 95% for all instruments.
- Data Integration: Bidirectional interface compatible with DHA MHS GENESIS laboratory information system.
- Support: Vendor responsible for installation, calibration, validation, comprehensive training, scheduled maintenance, parts, labor, and onsite technical support (within 24 hours for failures, 8 hours for emergency simultaneous failures).
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought (Market Research)
- Duration: Five-year contract (base year plus four option years)
- Set-Aside: Targeting Small Business concerns (NAICS 325413)
- Response Due: January 28, 2026, at 3:00 PM Eastern Time
- Published: January 21, 2026
Submission & Evaluation
Interested small businesses should demonstrate their capability to meet the government's requirements as outlined in the Draft Minimum Requirements Document. Responses must be submitted electronically to Mike Hornberger (michael.hornberger.1@us.af.mil) with the subject line "Warfighter Screening." Submissions should identify the company's small business status and category. This is for information and planning purposes only.
Additional Notes
This notice is solely for market research to identify potential sources and does not constitute a solicitation or commitment to award a contract. The government will not accept quotes at this time and will not pay for response preparation costs.