Intent to Sole Source- Automated Blood Bank Instrumentation

INTENT TO SOLE SOURCE

The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC/PZIBA) intends to award a sole-source, firm-fixed-price Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) to QuidelOrtho Sales Company, LLC, located at 9975 Summers Ridge Road, San Diego, California, 92121.

This proposed action is for automated blood bank instrumentation, reagents, consumables, and associated support for the 88th Medical Group Laboratory Flight at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (WPAFB). This requirement is for a fully automated, continuous-access blood bank system integrated with current and future laboratory information systems, including MHS Genesis, together with the associated training, maintenance, repair, and reagent support necessary to maintain uninterrupted blood bank operations. 

Extensive market research was conducted to identify potential sources. Techniques included, but were not limited to, internet market research, review of similar procurements, input from Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), review of the Government’s minimum technical requirements, and a Sources Sought notice. The BPA justification states that no existing mandatory source has been identified that can satisfy the organization’s specific blood and blood product requirements.

The WPAFB 88th Medical Group requires a blood bank instrumentation solution that meets the minimum technical requirements established in the Statement of Work (SOW). These requirements include a fully automated blood bank system using the required methodology, support for required blood bank testing on a single platform, integration capability with MHS Genesis, FDA-approved reagent kits, and instrument-specific reagents, controls, standards, and hardware from the manufacturer producing the instrument. Utilizing a system that does not meet these requirements would not satisfy the Government’s operational and patient care needs. 

As part of this market research effort, a Sources Sought notice was posted on SAM.gov on 20 August 2026. One response was received. The 88th Medical Group completed a technical evaluation and found the submission technically unacceptable. The evaluations identified deficiencies including wrong methodology and instrumentation, different reagents for the instrumentation, and failure to meet upgrade-of-equipment requirements.  The Contracting Officer has determined that only one source is reasonably available: QuidelOrtho Sales Company, LLC.

This proposed procurement will be a Sole Source under North American Industry Classification System code (NAICS) 325413 – Blood derivative in-vitro diagnostic substances manufacturing, with a size standard of 1,250 employees.

The proposed source is QuidelOrtho Sales Company, LLC., 9975 Summers Ridge Road, San Diego, California, 92121.

Submission Instructions and Points of Contact:

This notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotations. However, interested parties who believe they can satisfy the requirements must provide a capability statement with clear and convincing evidence of their ability to do so. The statement must demonstrate the vendor's capability to provide automated blood bank instrumentation, reagents, consumables, and support services that are fully compatible with the Government’s minimum technical and operational requirements identified in the Statement of Work. A simple statement of capability is not sufficient. All responses, questions, and capability statements shall be submitted via email to the following points of contact no later than 22 September 2026 at 3:00PM EST.

• Contract Specialist: Alejandro Quiles, alejandro.quiles_sanchez.1@us.af.mil
• Contracting Officer: Claire Hess, claire.hess@us.af.mil

All correspondence sent via email must contain the subject line: "Intent to Sole Source- Automated Blood Bank Instrumentation & Support." Be advised that emails without this exact subject line or with prohibited attachments (.zip, .exe) may be blocked by network filters.

This notice is not a request for competitive proposals or quotes. A decision by the Government not to compete this proposed contract based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government.

Attachments:

1. Statement of Work
2. Justification and Approval Document_ Redacted