NAHLN Diagnostic Testing Services

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation seeks diagnostic testing services from NAHLN-approved laboratories for endemic and foreign animal diseases. The services will be provided in accordance with applicable local, State, and Federal regulations, as well as NVSL and participating laboratory standard operating procedures (SOPs).

• Diagnostic testing services as detailed in Attachment 1 – Performance Work Statement.

• Services include various types of testing such as Culture/Isolation, Immuno Assay, and Molecular Services (e.g., PCR, Sequencing).

• Laboratories must be NAHLN-approved and qualified to conduct the required diagnostic assays.

• Offerors must provide a one-page cover sheet with laboratory name, address, contact information, and SAM Unique Entity Identifier (UEI).

• Award Type: Multiple single-award Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contracts with Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) task orders.

• Period of Performance: Five (5) one-year ordering periods, not to exceed five (5) years total.

• Ceiling Price: $25,000,000.

• Solicitation Period: One year.

• Quotes will be evaluated as they are received.

• Awards may be made beginning 30 days after publication and up to 30 days after closing.

• Evaluation Criteria: Technical Acceptability and Price.

  • Technical Acceptability: Assessed as "acceptable" or "unacceptable" based on evidence of approved NAHLN status.
  • Price: Evaluated for fairness and reasonableness. Offerors must submit pricing using Attachment 2 – Diagnostic Services Price List.

• Tradeoffs will not be conducted.

• Offerors agree to hold prices firm for 90 calendar days from the offer due date.

• Questions are due by July 2, 2026, 12:00 PM Central Time.

• This acquisition is currently listed as "UNRESTRICTED."

• NAHLN-approved laboratories are required.

• Attachment 1: Performance Work Statement

• Attachment 2: Diagnostic Services Price List

• Attachment 3: Class Justification and Approval

• Additional technical data is available at: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/labs/nahln

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

To establish an Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract with NAHLN-approved laboratories to reimburse for diagnostic testing services for endemic and foreign animal diseases.

• Perform diagnostic tests for high-consequence endemic and foreign animal diseases.

• Participate in the development of new assay methodologies.

• Provide laboratory support for routine and emergency animal disease diagnosis, including bioterrorism events.

• Utilize standardized, rapid diagnostic techniques.

• Maintain secure communication, alert, and reporting systems.

• Employ modern equipment and experienced personnel.

• Participate in national training, proficiency testing, and quality assurance.

• Ensure facilities meet biocontainment and physical security requirements.

• Participate in animal health emergency training exercises.

• Services must be provided in accordance with local, State, and Federal regulations, as well as NVSL and participating laboratory Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

• All approved NAHLN laboratories must have an implemented Quality System consistent with ISO 17025 standards (demonstrated through accreditation by AAVLD or another ISO 17025 accredited body).

• Laboratories not accredited must be willing to participate in regular site visits and be approved by APHIS-VS.

• Laboratories must provide documentation concerning accreditation and implementation of Quality System requirements.

• Laboratories must agree to NAHLN compliance audits and/or site visits.

• Presumptive positive or inconclusive test results must be submitted to NVSL for confirmatory testing.

• IDIQ contract effective for 5 years from the date of issuance.

• Services are to be provided nationwide.

• Contractors must provide a price schedule for diagnostic services (Attachment 1).

• Contractors must provide and maintain a dedicated general mailbox email address for correspondence within 14 calendar days after award.

• The total cumulative value of delivery orders under this IDIQ shall not exceed $25 million.

• Pricing for tests is fixed based on the date of task order issuance and will not be adjusted.

• Invoices must be submitted monthly via email to NAHLN@usda.gov and NAHLN.Coordinators@usda.gov within 30 days of service completion.

• Contractors must enroll in the Invoice Processing Platform (IPP) for electronic submission and tracking of payments.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is an Excel spreadsheet containing a price list for diagnostic services. Bidders are required to complete this form by entering firm-fixed-price (FFP) unit prices for each listed testing service across five ordering periods. It also includes instructions for indicating services the laboratory is not approved to perform.

• Laboratory Name: To be entered in Cell B3.
• Pricing: Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) unit prices for Ordering Periods 1–5 (estimated dates provided) are to be entered for approved testing services.
• Excluded Services: Checkboxes are provided to indicate services the laboratory is not approved to perform. Selecting a checkbox will gray out the corresponding row.
• Testing Services: The sheet lists various diagnostic services categorized under Culture/Isolation, Immuno Assay, Molecular Services, and Other.

This pricing sheet is critical for bidders to provide their proposed costs for the diagnostic services required by the opportunity. Accurate and complete pricing in the specified format is essential for proposal submission and evaluation.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Class Justification and Approval (J&A) for the acquisition of specialized diagnostic testing services using other than full and open competition. It details the rationale for restricting competition to laboratories possessing unique qualifications, certifications, and technical capabilities.

• Mission Area: USDA, APHIS, Marketing and Regulatory Programs Business Services (MRPBS), Acquisition and Asset Management Division (AAMD).
• Services Required: Diagnostic testing for endemic and foreign animal diseases, including routine and emergency testing, and confirmatory testing for presumptive positive or inconclusive samples. Services also include providing accurate diagnostic data for epidemiological and reporting requirements, supporting responses to animal health events, and testing for various livestock diseases.
• Authority: FAR 6.103-1, Only One Responsible Source.
• Justification: Competition is restricted to laboratories approved for membership in the National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) due to their unique qualifications, rigorous standards, and readiness for animal health emergencies.
• Estimated Value: Approximately $255,000,000 annually, or $2,550,000,000 over a 10-year period. No individual IDIQ contract will exceed $25,000,000.
• Contracting Activity: USDA, APHIS, MRPBS, AAMD.
• Authority Expiration: 31 May 2036.

This document explains why the government is restricting competition for diagnostic testing services. Bidders who are not part of the NAHLN network may need to pursue eligibility through the established NAHLN standards and approval process to be considered for future opportunities. Information on how to express interest and the criteria for eligibility is provided.