Sources Sought Notice - Registered Dietitian Services

Sources-Sought Notice

This notice is for market research purposes only, issued by the Indian Health Service, Chinle Service Unit, to identify potential sources for Registered Dietitian services at the Chinle Comprehensive Health Care Facility (CCHCF). The information gathered will help determine the acquisition strategy, including competition and set-asides.

This notice is not a solicitation. The government is seeking information on companies capable of providing Registered Dietitian services. A Performance Work Statement (PWS) is referenced for more detail.

• Period of Performance: One (1) one-year Base Period plus One (1) one-year Option Period.

• NAICS Code: 561320 – Temporary Help Services

• Small Business Size Standard: $34.0m

• Submission Deadline: June 5, 2026, at 5:00 PM MST.

• Submission Method: Email to Teola Autaubo at teola.autaubo@ihs.gov with the subject line "SSN - IHS1521758 - Registered Dietitian Services".

• Required Information:

  1. Company Profile (UEI, Name, Address, POC, business size/type, ownership, socio-economic status, Native American ownership if applicable, SAM.gov representations/certifications).
  2. Brief statement of capability related to the requirement, including past performance and established contracts.
  3. Completed IHS IEE Representation Form if claiming ISBEE or IEE status.

• Note: Registration in SAM.gov is required at the time of offer/quotation submission for any future solicitation.

Responses from Indian-owned Small Business Economic Enterprises (ISBEE) or Indian-owned Economic Enterprises (IEE) are specifically requested, with a required form submission.

• This is purely for market research; submission is voluntary.
• The government assumes no financial responsibility for costs incurred in response to this notice.
• Telephone inquiries will not be accepted.
• No feedback or evaluations will be provided on submissions.

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

This Performance Work Statement (PWS) outlines the requirements for Non-Personal service Dietitian to support the mission of the Indian Health Service (IHS), specifically focusing on providing dietetic services to patients within the Navajo Area Indian Health Services (NAIHS) and the Chinle Comprehensive Health Care Facility (CCHCF).

• Provide professional Dietitian services in direct patient care, including inpatient, outpatient, and community settings.

• Offer nutrition expertise in planning, implementing, and evaluating nutrition care, including education on chronic disease management (e.g., diabetes, weight loss).

• Conduct comprehensive nutritional assessments and develop individualized care plans.

• Participate in continuous quality improvement processes and adhere to relevant standards (IHS, Joint Commission, etc.).

• Develop and disseminate educational materials.

• Coordinate care with healthcare teams, colleagues, and patients/families, respecting cultural practices.

• Follow facility policies, procedures, and regulatory standards.

• Performance will be evaluated based on competency standards, compliance with IHS/Health Center policies, patient outcomes (no breached patient safety or infection control reports), professionalism (cultural awareness, customer service, adherence to ethics codes), uninterrupted credentialing, accurate documentation, and service quality evidenced by customer input.

• A Performance-Based Matrix outlines specific indicators, standards, quality assurance methods, and incentives/disincentives.

• Period of Performance is flexible, allowing for short-term (13 weeks minimum), long-term (1-3 years), and intermittent support.

• Work schedule is generally 5 days a week, 36-40 hours, with flexibility for shifts between 7:00 am and 7:00 pm, including potential weekend hours. Exceptions apply for holidays.

• Place of Performance is within the Chinle Service Unit, specifically at hospitals, schools, clinics, and community settings, primarily under the Clinical and Community Nutrition Department at Chinle Comprehensive Health Care Facility.

• Contractors must possess and maintain current registration with the Commission on Dietetics Registration and a valid state driver's license.

• Mandatory certifications include Basic Life Support (BLS), with recommendations for BCLS, ACLS, PALS.

• Health requirements include a fitness for duty certificate, specific immunizations (Hepatitis A/B, MMR, Varicella, Tdap/Td, Meningococcal, TB test, Influenza), and adherence to health and safety standards.

• Language proficiency in English is required, along with cultural awareness.

• Moderate IT skills are necessary.

• Mandatory orientation and training are required.

• Background checks (Level I and II) are required.

• Government-furnished equipment includes a laptop, work cellphone, and hotspot. Contractors must provide their own uniforms, lab coats, and other personal medical instruments.

• Government quarters may be available at prevailing rental rates; unfurnished units require the contractor to provide furnishings.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is the "Indian Health Service Buy Indian Act Indian Economic Enterprise Representation Form." It serves as a self-certification for offerors to confirm they meet the definition of an "Indian Economic Enterprise" as required by the Buy Indian Act. This form is to be submitted in response to a Sources Sought Notice, Request for Information (RFI), or Solicitation.

• Eligibility Criteria: The form requires the offeror to self-certify that they meet the definition of an "Indian Economic Enterprise" throughout the offer, award, and contract performance periods.
• Required Information: Offerors must provide:
  • Whether they represent themselves as an "Indian Economic Enterprise" with "Indian Ownership."
  • Name of Federally Recognized Tribal Entity (if applicable).
  • Name of the 51% owner of the IEE Firm.
  • Business Name.
  • DUNS Number.
  • Certifying Signature and Print Name.
• Legal Compliance: The form includes statements regarding the penalties for false or misleading information and false claims.

Bidders responding to opportunities that require compliance with the Buy Indian Act must complete and submit this form. It is crucial for demonstrating eligibility for set-aside or sole source contracts under this authority. Failure to meet the definition or accurately complete the form could lead to disqualification or penalties.