6640--Intent to Sole Source for Calibration Verification Linearity Evaluation Services for the John D. Dingell Detroit VA Medical Center

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a notice of intent to award a sole-source, firm-fixed-price contract for Calibration Verification Linearity Evaluation Services. These services are in support of the John D. Dingell Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) located in Detroit, MI.

• The contractor shall provide a CLIA ‘88 approved proficiency testing program.

• The program must ensure all VHA medical laboratories and ancillary testing sites performing patient testing adhere to VHA Handbook 1106.01 proficiency testing requirements.

• Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price

• Contract Awardee: College Of American Pathologists, 325 Waukegan RD Northfield, Illinois 60093.

• This is intended to be a one-time contract.

• This notice indicates an intent to award to a single source based on FAR 13.106-1(b)(2). A determination not to compete is at the Government's discretion.

• Response Date: March 27, 2026, 15:00 Eastern Time, New York, USA.

• Not applicable as this is a sole-source intent.

• NAICS Code: 541380 (Testing Laboratories and Services)

• Size Standard: $19.0 million

• Contracting Office: Department of Veterans Affairs, Network Contracting Office 10, Kettering, OH.

• Point of Contact: Cierra S. Joshua, Cierra.Joshua@va.gov, 734-222-7154.

Sources Sought Notice / Statement of Work (SOW)

This is a Sources Sought Notice to determine market capability for Calibration Verification Linearity Evaluation Services for the John D. Dingell VA Medical Center in Detroit, MI. A Request for Quotes may be issued later. The NAICS code is 541380 (Testing Laboratories and Services) with a $9 Million size standard.

• Objective: Provide a CLIA '88 approved proficiency testing program for VHA medical laboratories and ancillary testing sites to meet VHA Handbook 1106.01 requirements.

• Tasks:

  • Implement a CLIA-approved proficiency testing program, including providing specimens for Calibration Verification / Linearity Evaluation (CVL) analytes.
  • Notify the government of proficiency testing updates and provide an event calendar/shipping table.
  • Allow electronic transmission of proficiency testing results.
  • Provide formal evaluation of results, including comparison to peer laboratories and historical performance summaries.
  • Notify relevant parties (POC, Regional Medical Technologist, accrediting organization) of critical proficiency testing outcomes (e.g., unacceptable performance, non-receipt of results).
  • Provide a plan for replacing defective materials.
  • Deliver mailed proficiency testing materials FOB Destination to the Detroit VA Lab.
  • Provide written correspondence electronically or via mail.

• Period: Anticipated March 20, 2026, to March 19, 2027 (12 months from award).

• Place: John D. Dingell VA Medical Center laboratory, Detroit, MI.

• Must be on the CMS list of CLIA-approved proficiency testing providers for Calibration Verification / Linearity Evaluation (CVL) analytes, including Chemistry and Flow Cytometry.

• Deadline: March 6, 2026, 3:00 PM Eastern Time.

• Submission: Email responses to Cierra.Joshua@va.gov with "36C25026Q0349" in the subject/body.

• Required Information:

  • Business Name, GSA contract number (if applicable), Address.
  • Point of Contact (Name, Phone, Email).
  • SAM UEID Number and NAICS code.
  • Business Size (SMALL or LARGE).
  • Type of Business (e.g., SERVICE-DISABLED VETERAN OWNED, VETERAN OWNED, 8A, HUB Zone, WOMEN-OWNED).

• This is a Sources Sought Notice only, not a solicitation for offers or request for quotes.

• No reimbursement for costs associated with providing information.

• The VA will provide proficiency testing results electronically.

Statement of Work (SOW)

To obtain a contractor to provide a CLIA '88 approved proficiency testing program for all VHA medical laboratories and ancillary testing sites, ensuring compliance with VHA Handbook 1106.01 proficiency testing requirements.

• Provide a CLIA approved proficiency testing program.

• Administer proficiency testing programs as specified for CLIA approval.

• Provide specimens for all Calibration Verification / Linearity Evaluation (CVL) analytes.

• Notify the government of proficiency testing updates and provide prompt written notification to laboratories and COR.

• Establish an event calendar and/or shipping table for proficiency testing deliverables.

• Allow electronic transmission of proficiency testing results.

• Meet or exceed CMS evaluation criteria for regulated analytes; contractor may determine criteria for other-than-regulated analytes.

• Include formal evaluation of results, comparing performance against peer laboratories, summarizing historic performance, and providing overall performance reports.

• Provide formal evaluation documentation, notifications of non-receipt of results, and notifications of unacceptable or unsatisfactory performance to the laboratory POC, Regional Medical Technologist, and accrediting organization.

• Provide a plan for replacement of defective or damaged deliverables.

• Provide a glossary of terms if technical terminology is used.

• Establish an electronic method for receipt of VA furnished correspondence.

• Deliver mailed items (proficiency testing material/supplies) via Freight On Board (FOB) Destination to John D. Dingell VA Laboratory, Detroit, MI.

• Provide written correspondence electronically or via FOB Destination.

• Anticipated contract period: March 20, 2026, to March 19, 2027.

• Place of performance: John D. Dingell VA Hospital laboratory, Detroit, MI.

• Contractor must be on CMS list of CLIA-approved proficiency testing providers for specified specialties (CVL analytes, Chemistry, Flow Cytometry).

• Contractor personnel are subject to the same Federal laws, regulations, standards, and VA Directives and Handbooks as VA personnel regarding information and information system security.

• Contract prices must include costs associated with electronic data transmission.

• The John D. Dingell VA clinical laboratory will provide proficiency testing results and POC/demographics to the contractor.