Q301--V797D-70090 | 36C24226A0046 | URGENT Bridge Specialized Genetic and Esoteric Lab Testing FSS-BPA LSJ Attached

The Department of Veterans Affairs awarded a sole-source Blanket Purchase Agreement under the Federal Supply Schedule program to Quest Diagnostics Incorporated for urgent specialized genetic and esoteric laboratory testing services to support Veterans in VISN 2 South, covering facilities across New York and New Jersey. The contract, identified as V797D-70090 and awarded under solicitation 36C24226Q0683 with award number 36C24226A0046, has a value of $675,001.98 and was issued to prevent a critical service interruption as the prior contract expired on June 30, 2026. The award was justified under GSAR 538.7104-3 due to an urgent and compelling need where no other contractor—including small businesses—could meet the technical, operational, and timing demands, particularly given the incumbent’s established integration with VA systems and proven capability to deliver uninterrupted, high-quality diagnostic services. The contract is not competitive and does not follow standard full-and-open procedures, with the sole rationale being risk mitigation, continuity of care, and cost-effectiveness through utilization of existing FSS pricing. Performance is centered at Quest Diagnostics’ laboratory in Secaucus, New Jersey, with specimen collection and transport managed across multiple VA medical centers in the region. No option periods are included, as this is a temporary bridge agreement pending a future long-term competitive procurement. Funding is drawn from existing purchase requests totaling up to $692,500, with no formal line-item breakdown provided; all pricing and terms are governed by the pre-negotiated FSS contract. The Department of Veterans Affairs’ Network Contracting Office 02 in Buffalo, New York, administers the agreement, with Tracy Vega as the sole contract specialist and contracting officer. No formal Contracting Officer’s Representative or Contracting Officer’s Technical Representative is designated, though laboratory management personnel certified the requirement’s necessity. The contractor is expected to comply with federal laboratory standards, maintain seamless clinical integration, and ensure accurate, timely reporting, though specific clinical accreditation requirements like CLIA or CAP are not explicitly stated. The acquisition is exempt from typical small business set-asides, as market research confirmed no viable small business alternatives exist due to the complex nature of the testing and restrictions on subcontracting.