6640--Lab - Cepheid PCR Molecular Testing

Other / Unclassified

This document is a Sole Source Justification for a procurement exceeding the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT). It outlines the rationale for awarding a contract to Cepheid without full and open competition.

While this document is a justification for a sole source award, it provides context regarding the specific product (Lab - Cepheid PCR Molecular Testing) and the awarding agency (Department of Veterans Affairs, Network Contracting Office 2). Bidders interested in similar opportunities or understanding VA's procurement practices for this type of equipment may find this document informative. It indicates that a contract (Award Number: 36C24226P0519) was awarded to Cepheid for $1,133,349.87 on April 2, 2026, under NAICS Code 334516.

Sole Source Justification

This document justifies a sole-source, firm-fixed-price contract award for Cepheid PCR molecular testing equipment, reagents, accessories, lease, and maintenance services for a period of six months. This is to ensure continued operation of molecular diagnostic testing at multiple VA medical facilities until a new long-term contract is established.

• Continued provision of Cepheid GeneXpert and Infinity instruments.

• Supply of molecular reagent kits for various tests including MRSA, C.difficile (027 strain), Influenza A, B, RSV, Chlamydia trachomatis/Neisseria gonorrhea, Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex, Streptococcus pyogenes, Trichomonas Vaginalis, Carbapenemase-producing organism identification, and MRSA/SA blood culture identification.

• Provision of necessary equipment, reagents, standards, controls, supplies, consumables, parts, accessories, and cabinets.

• Lease and preventative maintenance service for the instruments.

• Contract Type: Firm-fixed-price.

• Period of Performance: April 01, 2026, to September 30, 2026 (6 months).

• Anticipated Award Date: April 01, 2026.

This document is a justification for a sole-source award, not a solicitation for proposals. Evaluation criteria are not applicable in this context.

• The procurement is restricted to a sole source based on FAR 12.201-1, citing "Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements."

• Market research indicated no viable small business set-aside opportunities (SDVOSB or VOSB).

• The justification highlights Cepheid as the sole provider of compatible equipment and supplies.

• The incumbent contractor has a satisfactory performance record.

• The action is deemed in the Government's best interest to avoid interruption of critical laboratory services.

• A new long-term contract is under development.

Other / Unclassified

This document is a "Notice of Intent to Award Sole Source" for Cepheid PCR testing. It indicates the government's intention to award a contract on a sole source basis to Cepheid for a 6-month period.

This notice is highly relevant to potential bidders as it signals that the government intends to bypass the standard competitive bidding process for this specific requirement. Vendors interested in providing Cepheid PCR testing should note this intent and understand the implications for future procurement actions. The solicitation number is 36C24226Q0379, and the response date is March 12, 2026, at 10 AM Eastern Time. The contracting office is Network Contracting Office 2, Department of Veterans Affairs, located in Bronx, NY. The NAICS code is 334516 and the Product Service Code is 6640.

Notice of Intent to Award Sole Source

This document announces the Department of Veterans Affairs' intent to award a sole-source, 6-month, firm-fixed price contract to Cepheid for Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Molecular testing. This contract will enable the VA to continue receiving necessary supplies and services, including currently owned instruments, reagents, consumables/disposables, and lease/preventative maintenance agreements.

April 01, 2026, through October 01, 2026.

• This is NOT a request for Proposals or Quotations.

• No solicitation document exists, and no inquiries will be accepted.

• No contract award will be made based on responses to this notice.

• Interested parties who believe they can provide the required services should submit their interest and capability, including pricing and technical data, to demonstrate they are a comparable source.

• Expressions of Interest must be emailed to Aleta.Jennette@va.gov by 10:00 AM EST on March 12, 2026.

• The government will consider these responses solely to determine if a future competitive procurement is warranted. The decision not to compete is at the government's discretion.

• Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs VISN 2 New Jersey Healthcare

• POC: Aleta Jennette (Aleta.Jennette@va.gov)