Q301--Histology Block and Slide Processing Laboratory Services

The Department of Veterans Affairs, Network Contracting Office 21, is seeking qualified contractors to provide histology tissue block and slide processing laboratory services to and from the Sacramento VA Medical Center located at 10535 Hospital Way, Mather, CA 95655. The contract will be awarded as a Single Award Firm Fixed Price Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) vehicle with a total period of performance extending through September 30, 2031, structured across multiple ordering periods beginning October 1, 2026. The government estimates a guaranteed minimum award of $1,000 and a maximum aggregate value of $2,000,000, with service volumes projected at 11,500 units per ordering period. Contractors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) and maintain active registration throughout the contract term, including compliance with SAM maintenance requirements. All submissions must be made electronically to Emily.Trinh@va.gov by the deadline of July 31, 2026, and must be organized into three distinct volumes—Price, Technical, and Past Performance—without being consolidated into a single PDF. Technical proposals must demonstrate the Offeror’s capability to perform, including current certifications, personnel qualifications, clinical experience in histology block and slide processing, timeliness in meeting turnaround requirements, and a robust quality assurance/quality control plan. Past performance will be evaluated using FAPIIS, CPARS, and SAM.gov data. The contract requires daily ground courier services to pick up formalin-fixed tissue cassettes and return processed paraffin-embedded tissue blocks and H&E-stained slides to the VAMC by 12:30 PM on the next business day, with strict adherence to specimen tracking logs that include unique log numbers, pick-up/delivery times, and courier names. Specimens must be de-identified and transported under controlled conditions to avoid temperature extremes. All processing must meet or exceed CLIA and CAP standards and comply with the attached Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan, which mandates daily 100% inspection of slides by the Contracting Officer’s Representative. The Contractor’s laboratory must be located within the general vicinity of the Sacramento VAMC. Personnel working on-site must undergo background investigations consistent with VA Directive 0710, and where required, obtain Tier 3 or Tier 5 security clearances. All employees handling records must complete VHA-provided records management training,