6550--LAB - Blood Culture Detection, Identification, And Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing | 04/01/2026 through 03/31/2031
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), specifically the James J. Peters VAMC and Network Contract Office 02, has awarded a sole-source, firm fixed-price Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) to Biomerieux Inc. for Blood Culture Detection, Identification, and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing services and supplies. This award, made on May 4, 2026, is a logical follow-on contract to ensure continuity of patient care at multiple VA Medical Centers, including James J. Peters (Bronx), East Orange (NJ), Margaret Cochran Corbin, Northport, and Hudson Valley, Castle Point. The contract covers the period from April 1, 2026, through March 31, 2031, with an estimated value up to $90 million.
Purpose & Context
This procurement is justified as a sole-source award under FAR 12.201-1, citing "Only One Responsible Source." Market research conducted from January to March 2026 indicated that Biomerieux Inc. is the sole capable vendor and Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) that can meet the VA's unique requirements, particularly the identification of yeast species, using their proprietary systems. The award prevents interruption to critical medical services following the expiration of the previous contract.
Scope of Work
The contract requires consumables and supplies for Cost-Per-Kit (CPK) services and continued usage of contractor-owned equipment currently on-site. Key requirements include:
- Bacterial identification system (Vitek MS Prime)
- Susceptibility system (Vitek 2XL or Vitek 2)
- Blood culture incubation and growth detection system (Bact/Alert Virtuo)
- System capable of identifying yeast species
- Common middleware solution (Maestra)
Contract Details
- Contract Type: Firm Fixed-Price Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA)
- Awardee: Biomerieux Inc.
- Award Date: May 4, 2026
- Period of Performance: April 1, 2026, through March 31, 2031 (one base year with four one-year options)
- Estimated Value: Up to $90,000,000
- NAICS Code: 334516 (Diagnostic Product Manufacturing)
- Small Business Standard: 1,000 employees
Eligibility & Response Information
This was a sole-source award, not a competitive solicitation. However, a Notice of Intent was published, and any responses received by February 12, 2026, were considered for determining sources for future procurements. No competitive proposals were requested for this specific award.
Additional Notes
The VA determined prices to be fair and reasonable, with potential 3% increases in Option Years 2 and 4. The Buy American Act applies. The VA will continue to monitor the marketplace for changes in vendor availability and emerging technologies for future acquisitions.