Laboratory Quality Control Materials and Quality Control Data Manager

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Indian Health Service Bemidji Area, intends to award a sole-source, firm-fixed-price contract to BioRad Laboratories for laboratory quality control materials and the Unity Web Connect 2.0 data analytics platform to support the Red Lake and Cass Lake Service Units in Minnesota. This non-competitive action is justified under FAR 6.302-1 because BioRad is the only responsible source capable of meeting the laboratories' technical requirements, which include proprietary integration with the Unity peer database, cross-platform compatibility with existing chemistry analyzers, and ongoing technical support for real-time comparative quality assurance data. The procurement, valued at $193,795.33 including all options, is classified under NAICS code 334516 and PSC H166, and requires compliance with CLIA and The Joint Commission standards. Delivery and performance are to occur at the two IHS laboratory sites in Red Lake and Cass Lake, Minnesota, with no alternative suppliers able to replicate the unique functionality and reliability of BioRad’s integrated system. The contracting officer has determined that competition would not be advantageous due to the exclusive technical capabilities of the vendor, and no other products can satisfy the operational needs of the laboratories. The contract is administered by Contract Specialist Mary Simon, with technical oversight provided by Laboratory Supervisor Christine Woidyla as the COTR, under the authority of Contracting Officer Jennifer Richardson. The procurement has been approved on June 24, 2026, with responses due by July 4, 2026. While the submission window is open to interested parties to demonstrate their ability to meet the government’s needs, any competing offer must provide clear and convincing evidence of technical equivalency, which is deemed highly unlikely given the proprietary nature of BioRad’s software and hardware ecosystem. No formal evaluation factors, weights, or competitive scoring criteria have been established, as the award is predicated solely on the lack of alternative sources. Packaging, labeling, barcoding, and FOB terms are not specified, and no security clearances or socioeconomic certifications are applicable. Payment, invoicing, and accounting details remain unspecified, and the contract is structured to ensure continuity of critical diagnostic testing without disruption, relying exclusively on BioRad’s system for long-term stability and regulatory compliance.