Blood Unit Retypes and Immuno-hematological Testing Services
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 Indian Health Service (IHS), Billings Area, Blackfeet Service Unit has issued a Notice of Intent to Award a Sole Source Contract for Blood Unit Retypes and Immuno-hematological Testing Services. The IHS intends to award a firm fixed-price contract to Northern Plains Laboratory of Bismarck, ND. This notice is not a request for competitive quotes, but interested parties may submit a statement of capabilities if they believe they can meet the requirement. Statements of Capabilities are due by March 26, 2026.
Scope of Work
The services are critical for the Blood For Services Unit (BFSU) to maintain life-saving blood for transfusions. The scope includes:
- Retyping approximately 300 units of blood as required by regulation.
- Performing post-transfusion workups for all patients receiving blood, including ABO/Rh, Antibody Screen, and Compatibility Screen testing.
- Conducting full transfusion workups, including additional necessary tests, if a positive antibody screen occurs. All results must be returned by fax to BFSU within 24 hours of testing completion. The performing laboratory must possess a current CLIA certificate for high complexity testing.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Notice of Intent to Award a Sole Source, Firm Fixed-Price Contract
- Intended Awardee: Northern Plains Laboratory, 401 N 9th St FL #2, Bismarck, ND 58501
- NAICS: 621511 - Medical Laboratories
- Product Service Code: Q301 - Reference Laboratory Testing
- Period of Performance: April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027 (Base Year)
- Place of Performance: Northern Plains Laboratory LLC, Bismarck, ND
- Set-Aside: None (Sole Source)
- Statements of Capabilities Due: March 26, 2026, 6:00 PM ET
- Published: March 24, 2026
Justification for Sole Source
The Billings Area Indian Health Service states that Northern Plains Laboratory is the only source in the region capable of providing these specialized blood unit retype and patient immunohematology testing services, which are required by FDA and CMS regulations and Joint Commission accreditation.
Response Instructions
This is not a solicitation. However, any interested party believing they can meet the requirement may submit a written statement of capabilities. The statement must provide clear and convincing evidence that competition would be advantageous to the Government. Costs associated with preparing and submitting data will not be reimbursed. Telephone requests will not be honored.
Contact Information
- Primary Point of Contact: Shannon Connelly
- Email: Shannon.Connelly@ihs.gov
- Phone: 406-338-6452