Q515--Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Services

Page 3 of 3 This is a sources sought announcement only. This is not a solicitation announcement. The purpose of this announcement is to gain knowledge of current market conditions relative to NAICS 621511 with a size standard of $32.5 million. The Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA), Network Contracting Office 23 (NCO 23), on behalf of The US Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care System intends to issue a contract for Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Services. The period of performance will be one (1) twelve-month base period, and four (4) twelve-month option periods; estimated start date is March 1, 2021 through February 28, 2022. Contractor shall provide laboratory, pathology, and molecular testing services on STAT, unique, and labile specimens for the Iowa City VA Health Care System. Work will be performed at the contractor s site for fees agreed upon in the cost/price section of the contract. REQUIREMENTS GENERAL: Testing will be done during regular laboratory hours. Emergency (STAT) testing will be available following VA Pathology staff consults with the contractor s staff. STAT testing will be available within an hour of specimen collection during regular laboratory hours. Testing services will also be made available on off hours, weekends and holidays with consent between Contractor and VA. The contractor will provide: Transportation of specimens at least once a day, Monday-Friday, excluding federal and state holidays. Collections made on holidays will be retained at the VA laboratory until the next business day. Analyze samples per the requests submitted on requisition. Contractor shall consult with the VA laboratory on test results by telephone as needed. Provide the VA laboratories with a means of communication to permit immediate inquiry within one hour regarding the status of pending tests. Contractor shall provide information on testing methodology, specimen requirements, and any special handling requirements. All results shall include reference ranges. The VA laboratory reserves the right to request the results of any proficiency testing that the contractor subscribes. Test results will be sent from the contractor to the Iowa City VA Send-out Supervisor or designee within the turn-around time published by the contractor on their website. The contractor will transmit results in a secure way that complies with all HIPPA standards and requirements. Examples of secure methods include, but are not limited to, secured fax, U.S. mail, courier, or secure electronic transmission. Electronic reporting of test results is preferred and will be made available once requested by VA.Results for molecular genetic testing will include both the report and procedural information such as sequences and variant call files when available. The services to be performed by the contractor will be coordinated with the Director, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service or his/her designee. Contractor will provide direct data review, real time consultation and preliminary result reports when requested. Test sample preparation: The VA laboratory shall be responsible to provide laboratory specimens prepared in accordance with the contractor s requirements. All specimens will be properly identified and labeled for testing. The contractor shall provide an adequate supply of requisition forms. The contractor will provide any special fixative, preservative, collection vials or containers not routinely used by the VA Laboratory. LICENSING AND ACCREDITATION: Contractor must be regularly established in the business of diagnostic laboratory, pathology, and molecular testing. Contractor must be financially responsible and have the necessary equipment and personnel to furnish services in the volume required. Contractor s facility and employees shall have all licenses, permits, accreditation, and certificates required by federal and state law to provide medical laboratory testing services. Contractor s laboratory shall have current copies of the following documents upon request by the COR: Clinical Laboratory Improvements Amendments (CLIA) license (satisfies requirement that all employees are licensed and meet all OSHA safety standards). Current copy of insurance certification Contractor s laboratory shall be currently accredited by the College of American Pathologists (CAP). The contractor s Laboratory Director shall be a licensed physician or a licensed bio-analyst. Prior to issuing a solicitation, and pursuant to the Veterans First Contracting Program, the VA is trying to ascertain if there are qualified Service Disabled Veteran Owned Businesses (SDVOSB) or Veteran Owned Small Businesses (VOSB) with the capability of providing the below services (Respondents are not limited to SDVOSB/VOSB concerns; the Government seeks to identify ALL potentially interested sources). Responses to this sources sought notice must include the following information: 1. General Information of your company name, address, contact person name, phone number, fax number, e-mail address(s) and DUNS number and company website if available. 2. Socio-economic status of business (i.e. SDVOSB/VOSB, Small Business, Large etc.) 3. Are you, or have you provided Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Services. If so, please provide contract number(s) for the previous three (3) years. 4. Will your company enter into a joint venture or other relationship in order to provide this service. Responses to this market survey shall be e-mailed (only) to the attention of Daniel Vagts, [email protected]. No telephone responses will be accepted. Responses must be received no later than 11:59 pm EST January 19, 2021. No solicitation document is available currently; this notice is to acquire information only. Vendors interested in providing an offer will have to respond to a solicitation announcement that shall be published separately.