Q301--Research Lab Services - Blood Assays for Alzheimer's

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

The objective of this study is to define normal aging-related changes in the human brain by charting where pathology occurs using MRI imaging and PET/CT scans on normal human participants. The study aims to differentiate normal aging from disease-related aging symptoms (e.g., Alzheimer's, dementia) through cognitive assessments and blood tests (APOE and p-Tau 231) to rule out preclinical Alzheimer's.

The contractor shall process blood samples collected by government personnel. This involves using the contractor's lab to perform APOE and pTau217 tests on pre-frozen plasma/red blood cells/buffy coat. Samples are to be processed individually, not batched, and results delivered in ng/mL.

• The contractor must provide published evidence of their ability to perform sensitive, repeatable, and validated APOE and pTau217 blood tests with a high sample recovery rate.

• Results must be delivered to the study team within 15 days of sample receipt.

• The contractor must notify the study team within 10 days of receipt if a sample is insufficient (defective, incomplete, or otherwise not meeting requirements), stating the reason.

• Invoices are to be generated within Tungsten within 45 days of sending test results.

• Contract Type: Firm-fixed price/Indefinite Delivery/Definite Quantity (IDIQ) contract.

• Period of Performance: 3 years (Base Year, Year 1, Year 2).

• Estimated Samples: 25 samples per year (75 total over 3 years).

• Base Year: 2026

• Option Year 1: 2027

• Option Year 2: 2028

• Task orders will not exceed a 12-month period.

• Blood sample collection will be at the VA Medical Center (Minneapolis, MN), and samples will be shipped to the contractor.

• Contractor must have expertise in providing accurate and sensitive APOE and ptau-231 assays.

• Contractor must possess CLIA or other relevant lab certifications.

• Services are non-personal services; no employer-employee relationship will exist.

Sources Sought Notice

This is a Sources Sought Notice for Blood Assay services for the Minneapolis VA Medical Center. The Department of Veterans Affairs, RPO-E Research and Development is gathering information to determine vendor availability and capability, specifically focusing on Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB), Veteran Owned Small Businesses (VOSB), and other small business concerns. This notice is for planning purposes only; no quotes are being requested or accepted at this time.

Potential sources should demonstrate their ability to provide Blood Assay services as outlined in the draft Statement of Work (SOW) attached. The capability statement must address whether the company can provide one or both of the tests mentioned.

Responses must be submitted via email to renee.kale@va.gov no later than 10:00 AM (ET) on May 11, 2026. Facsimile or telephonic responses will not be accepted. There will be no question-and-answer period for this notice.

Responses should include the company's business type (small or large) and socioeconomic status (SDVOSB, VOSB, Hubzone, 8(a), Women Owned, Small Disadvantaged, etc.). SDVOSB and VOSB must be SBA-verified. Limitations on Subcontracting and associated clauses will apply.

• NAICS Code: 541380 (Testing Laboratories and Services)
• PSC Code: Q301 (Reference Laboratory Testing)
• Small Business Size Standard: $19 million
• Required Information: Company name, SAM UEI number, address, POC information, capability statement, business type/socioeconomic status, and existing contract vehicle information (if applicable).
• Registration: All interested parties must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) to be eligible for future contract awards.
• Next Steps: A solicitation announcement may be published on SAM or GSA websites after review of responses. Responders to this notice will still need to respond to the future solicitation.