Q515--Stanford Autopsy Services

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

To provide accredited Pathology Physician Services off-site for the Department of Veterans Affairs, Palo Alto Health Care System (VAPAHCS) to perform anatomical autopsy services for beneficiaries.

• Provide partial or full autopsy services, including gross and microscopic samplings, photography, neuropathology, and toxicology.

• Transport cadavers from VAPAHCS or contracted facility to the Contractor's location.

• Log in received cadavers and ensure medical records accompany them.

• Coordinate with VA primary investigator regarding autopsy needs and any restrictions.

• Handle special registry autopsies (e.g., POW, Agent Orange, Gulf War, OIF/OEF) requiring additional tissue collection and submission to the Joint Pathology Center (JPC).

• Submit preliminary anatomical diagnosis within 3 business days for partial autopsies and full autopsy reports within 60 business days.

• Provide preliminary and final anatomical diagnoses, including clinicopathological correlation.

• Coordinate with VAPAHCS Decedent Affairs Office for cadaver disposition and transportation.

• Present autopsy findings at clinical conferences upon VAMC request.

• Timeliness of Autopsy Reports: Preliminary diagnosis within 3 business days, final diagnosis within 60 business days of exam completion (90% acceptable quality level).

• Patient Privacy: Zero breaches of privacy and/or HIPAA requirements (100% compliance).

• Qualifications: All physicians must maintain appropriate qualifications, licensure, and board certifications (100% compliance).

• Period: Base year plus four (4) option years.

• Place: Within 50 miles of VAPAHCS, at the Contractor's off-site facility.

• Staffing: Physicians must be board-certified in Anatomic Pathology or Forensic Pathology by the American Board of Pathology or American Osteopathic Board of Pathology, with full and unrestricted licenses.

• Facility Accreditation: Contractor's facility must be accredited by CAP, NAME, or an equivalent agency.

• Compliance: Services must meet or exceed standards of The Joint Commission (TJC) and relevant VA Directives and Handbooks (e.g., VA Directive 1663, VHA Handbook 1100.17, 1100.18, 1400.05, 1907.01, Privacy Act of 1974, HIPAA).

• Conflict of Interest: Contractors must identify and disclose any potential organizational conflicts of interest.

• Citizenship: Compliance with Immigration and Nationality Act and "E-Verify" requirements.

• OIG Exclusions: Contractor and physicians must not be on the HHS OIG List of Excluded Individuals/Entities.

• Medical Records: Strict adherence to HIPAA and VA regulations regarding patient record access, disclosure, and retention.

• Quality Assurance: Contractor must provide a Quality Assurance Plan (QAP) and personnel are subject to government quality management measures.

Sources Sought Announcement

This is a Sources Sought Announcement for autopsy services for the VA Palo Alto Health Care Service (VAPAHCS). The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Network Contracting Office (NCO) 21 is gathering information to determine potential procurement strategies. No solicitation is currently available, and all information is preliminary.

• Services: Provide anatomical autopsy services in accordance with the specifications in the attached Draft Statement of Work (SOW).

• NAICS Code: 621511 (Medical Laboratories)

• Small Business Size Standard: $41.5 Million

• Response Deadline: Tuesday, April 21, 2026, by 10:00 A.M. PST.

• Submission Method: Email to Cynthia.diezel@va.gov.

• Required Information:

  • Company’s Socioeconomic Status (e.g., small business, large business, SDVOSB, VOSB).
  • If SDVOSB or VOSB, registration with SBA.
  • Company legal name and Unique Entity ID (SAM).
  • Primary point of contact (phone and email).
  • Capabilities Statement detailing experience in performing anatomical autopsy services.
  • List of similar Government and Commercial projects.
  • Details on subcontracting plans (FAR 52.219-14 and FAR 52.219-27).
  • GSA Contract Number (if applicable).
  • Completed price estimate for 5 Option Years (attached form).

• Non-responsive: Failure to provide requested information will be considered non-responsive.

• Interested contractors must be registered in SAM.gov.

• SDVOSB and VOSB firms must be registered with SBA at the time of submission.

• Limitations on Subcontracting: For small businesses, at least 50% of contract performance cost for personnel must be expended on employees of the concern.

• A draft SOW is attached.

• A price estimate form for 5 option years is attached.

• This announcement is for information gathering only and does not constitute a commitment to award a contract.