6640--Molecular Diagnostic System

The Department of Veterans Affairs, through Network Contracting Office 17 in San Antonio, Texas, has awarded contract 36C25726Q0481 to Cepheid for the procurement of FDA-cleared, automated molecular diagnostic systems capable of simultaneous testing for CoV-2, influenza, and RSV with sample-to-result processing in under one hour. The systems must feature closed-cartridge technology, minimal manual intervention, bidirectional integration with the VistA laboratory information system via Data Innovations, a built-in barcode scanner, and automated reporting capabilities, while operating within specified environmental conditions of 59–89°F and humidity under 80% non-condensing. The contract includes delivery of four systems across three outpatient clinics in Texas—McAllen, Harlingen, and Laredo—along with four printers and four uninterruptible power supplies, with all deliveries subject to FOB destination terms, requiring the contractor to bear all transportation risks and costs until physical receipt at the clinical sites. Full installation, on-site validation, and training are mandatory prior to acceptance, which occurs at the delivery locations. The contract is classified as a commercial item acquisition under FAR Part 12, with a firm-fixed-price structure, and carries a total value of $333,453.00 with no options or extensions. Evaluation is based on a trade-off approach, prioritizing technical compliance with the Statement of Work over price, though price must be reasonable, complete, and fairly structured. Key compliance requirements include adherence to VAAR clauses governing gray market and counterfeit items, electronic payment submission via EIPP, domestic packing standards, and administrative contracting officer functions; FAR clauses prohibit debarred subcontractors, inverted domestic corporations, convict labor, child labor, and require whistleblower protections and SAM.gov maintenance. Special requirements prohibit the use of covered telecommunications equipment under the NDAA, legacy operating systems like Windows XP, and products from OFAC-sanctioned countries, while mandating compliance with FASCSA, trade agreements, and a reasonable inquiry protocol for supply chain integrity. Non-compliance must be reported within 72 hours. Electronic submissions are mandatory, directed via email to the contracting officer, Kathryn Prose, with all proposals required to include an SF-1449, trade agreement certification, small business representation, and technical documentation proving compliance. Payment is exclusively via electronic funds transfer through SAM.gov, and the awardee’s UEI is registered as W6HQTMWB9Q28