J065--Intent to Sole Source: Cepheid Service Agreement
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), Network Contract Office 8, has issued a Notice of Intent to Sole Source for annual service coverage for two Cepheid GeneXpert diagnostic analyzers at the Bay Pines VA Healthcare System in Bay Pines, Florida. The government intends to award a Fixed-Price Purchase Order to Cepheid, citing their unique position as the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and sole authorized provider. Interested parties capable of meeting this requirement must submit their capabilities by April 24, 2026, at 1:00 PM EST.
Scope of Work
This requirement is for comprehensive annual service coverage, including both Premier Care and Essential Care plans, for two GeneXpert diagnostic analyzers. The services encompass:
- Preventative Maintenance
- Repairs, parts, and labor
- Module swaps
- Uptime guarantee
- Software updates
- Loaner equipment per OEM terms
- Annual Xpert Check kit and performance verification procedures
Contract & Timeline
- Opportunity Type: Presolicitation / Notice of Intent to Sole Source
- Contract Type: Fixed-Price Purchase Order
- Period of Performance: A base year (June 17, 2026 - June 16, 2027) with four one-year option periods, extending coverage through June 16, 2031.
- Set-Aside: None (Sole Source)
- Response Due: April 24, 2026, 1:00 PM Eastern Standard Time
- Published Date: April 6, 2026
Evaluation & Justification
This is not a request for competitive proposals, and no solicitation is currently available. The government's intent to sole source to Cepheid is based on the belief that only Cepheid, as the OEM, can meet the specialized needs due to the proprietary nature of the GeneXpert systems and reagents. Market research confirmed that no third-party vendors are authorized or capable of providing OEM-compliant service, and use of non-OEM providers would void manufacturer support and jeopardize system certification.
Responses from interested persons identifying their capability will be considered solely to determine if a competitive procurement is warranted. If no responses are received demonstrating the ability to comply with the requirement, the government will proceed with the sole source acquisition.
Submission Details
Supporting evidence demonstrating the ability to comply with the requirement must be furnished in sufficient detail. Responses should be emailed to Moneque Rodriguez at moneque.rodriguez@va.gov.