Notice of Intent to Sole Source- Abbott Remote Automated Laboratory System (RALS)

The Defense Health Agency, through its Healthcare Contracting Division - Northeast, intends to award a sole-source Firm Fixed Price Purchase Order to Abbott Rapid Diagnostics Informatics, Inc. for the procurement of the Remote Automated Laboratory System (RALS) software and associated maintenance services to support diagnostic equipment at Blanchfield Army Community Hospital in Fort Campbell, Kentucky. This acquisition is justified under FAR 12.102(a), as implemented by Class Deviation 2026-00017, because Abbott is the exclusive provider of the RALS software, which is required to interface directly with government-owned point-of-care analyzers including i-STAT POC, Nova Statstrip, Sofia, and Clinitek, as well as to enable automated data transmission into the MHS Genesis electronic health record system. Market research confirmed no other vendors can supply or support the proprietary RALS platform, and no authorized resellers exist, making competition impossible. The contract supports essential clinical operations by eliminating manual data entry, improving diagnostic accuracy, and ensuring compliance with DoD cybersecurity standards through secure VPN connectivity to the MHS B2B gateway. The performance period includes a base year beginning October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027, with four optional one-year periods extending through September 30, 2031, contingent upon funding availability and government discretion. All funding is sourced from the Defense Health Program, and no competitive evaluation process will be used. The award is anticipated on or around August 28, 2026. Delivery and implementation will occur entirely at the place of performance in Fort Campbell, Kentucky, with no physical packaging or shipment requirements, as the deliverables are software-based. The contractor will provide ongoing annual software support, configuration, and maintenance, and must verify fair and reasonable pricing through historical data and an Independent Government Cost Estimate. The Contracting Officer’s Representative for the acquisition is Kathryn Quinones, who will oversee implementation and accept services at the hospital site. While no specific contract clauses, pricing details, or labor certifications are disclosed, the acquisition operates under strict compliance with federal procurement authorities and requires adherence to MHS Genesis integration standards and Controlled Unclassified Information handling with FEDCON dissemination controls.