Donor derived cell free Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) testing

The contract solicitation for donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA) testing, issued under solicitation number 36C24726Q0623 by the Department of Veterans Affairs through the 247-NETWORK Contract Office 7, seeks commercial services to provide FDA-approved, clinically validated dd-cfDNA testing for monitoring kidney transplant rejection. The work requires the contractor to deliver test results within three business days of specimen receipt, supply complete test kits with specimen collection materials and prepaid return shipping, and offer mobile phlebotomy services for geographically remote veterans. The contract has a five-year performance period beginning at award, with the testing performed at the contractor’s laboratory facility while blood collection may occur in VA facilities or at patients’ homes. The solicitation is a total small business set-aside under NAICS code 621511, and all offerors must certify their small business status and provide a Unique Entity Identifier and CAGE code. Evaluation is based on three equally weighted factors—technical acceptability, past performance, and price—with award made through a trade-off process favoring the most advantageous offer rather than the lowest price. Technical compliance is mandatory and assessed on a binary pass/fail basis, with failure to meet performance work statement requirements disqualifying an offer. The contract includes stringent security and data integrity requirements under VAAR clauses, mandating compliance with 15 information system safeguards, prohibiting use of covered telecommunications equipment from foreign adversaries, and requiring contractor personnel to undergo background investigations equivalent to VA employees. Payments will be made via Electronic Funds Transfer using the VA Electronic Invoice Presentment and Payment (EIPP) system, and invoicing must be submitted monthly in arrears. The contract also includes a clause allowing the government to extend services in increments of one to six months and imposes liquidated damages for data breaches, with alternate provisions applying to commercial acquisitions. Performance is subject to government inspection and acceptance, with delivery terms set at FOB destination. All contract administration responsibilities, including COR/COTR functions, are managed by the W.J.B. Dorn VA Medical Center in Columbia, SC, with primary point of contact Jason Compton.