Q301--VISN22 | REFERENCE LABORATORY TESTING

The Department of Veterans Affairs, through its Network Contracting Office – 22, is seeking a contractor to provide reference laboratory testing services under an indefinite-quantity contract with a five-year period of performance from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2031. The contract, solicited under NAICS code 621511 and product service code Q301, will support multiple VA healthcare facilities within VISN 22, including locations in Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Nevada. Offerors must submit detailed pricing for dozens of specific laboratory tests via Attachment B, structured across a base year and four option years, though current pricing data is unpopulated. Proposals are evaluated using a trade-off approach prioritizing relevant experience in hospital-based reference lab services, demonstrated through completed Experience Worksheets (Attachment D), over price alone. Contractors must hold and maintain current CLIA certification and either CAP or Joint Commission accreditation for each laboratory performing services, along with signed commitments from any subcontractors. A binding Business Associate Agreement compliant with HIPAA, HITECH, and VA privacy rules must be executed upon award to ensure the protection of protected health information. The contractor is required to comply with stringent data security standards including FIPS 140-2 encryption, strict limitations on copying or disclosing VA information, and adherence to VA Handbook 6500.6 for information system security. Biological specimens must be transported in accordance with 49 CFR Parts 171–180 and 172, Subpart H, with proper labeling, packaging, and temperature control throughout the supply chain. Invoicing must be submitted electronically via the Tungsten Network, and payments will be processed through the VA Financial Services Center in Austin, Texas. The solicitation mandates full compliance with numerous FAR clauses covering labor standards, cybersecurity, ethical conduct, subcontractor reporting, and buy American provisions, with non-compliance risking contract termination or penalties. All proposals must be submitted via email by the February 9, 2026 deadline with specific subject line formatting and in permitted file formats.