R--Clinical Laboratory Proficiency Testing (PT)

INTENT TO SOLE SOURCE This is a notice of intent to proceed with a sole source requirement above the simplified acquisition threshold. The contractor is College of American Pathologists (CAP), 325 Waukegan Road, Northfield, IL. This procurement if for Proficiency Testing Services for VA Clinical Laboratories for the Department of Veteran Affairs Health Administration. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Veterans Health Administration (VHA) requires that all laboratory testing performed at VHA medical laboratories, both within medical centers or community-based laboratories, utilized for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease in patients meet or exceed the requirements of 42 CFR 493. It is therefore required that all clinical laboratory testing, regardless of location, undergo regular Proficiency Testing (PT) for regulated analytes per the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) approved proficiency testing programs. The Contractor must be an APPROVED ACCREDITING ORGANIZATION UNDER THE CLINICAL LABORATORY IMPROVEMENT AMENDMENTS (CLIA) and shall provide an uninterrupted supply of Proficiency Testing for all the following specialties/subspecialties in all complexity categories for both regulated and non-regulated analytes (as determined by the individual facility s patient testing menu): Microbiology, Bacteriology, Mycobacteriology, Mycology, Parasitology, Virology, Diagnostic Immunology, Syphilis, General Immunology, Immunoglobulins, Chemistry (routine), Blood Gases, Endocrinology, Toxicology, Hematology, Immunohematology, Histocompatibility, and Cytology. The Government intends to negotiate with only one source as implemented by the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subpart 6.302-1 Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements. Currently COLLEGE OF AMERICAN PATHOLOGISTS is the only vendor on CMS s list of approved Proficiency Testing (PT) providers that provides proficiency testing materials for ALL specialties/subspecialties required by VHA.The period of performance will include a 12-month base period with four (4) 12-month option periods. THIS NOTICE IS NOT A REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE PROPOSAL; however, any firm that believes it can meet ALL the requirements within the Statement of Work may submit a written notification prior to the response due date and time. Supporting evidence must be furnished in enough detail to demonstrate the ability to perform the requirements. Responses received will be evaluated; however, a determination by the Government not to compete the proposed procurement based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. If no responses are received, the Government will proceed with the award. Responses are due by October 16, 2019 12:00PM EST. Responses shall be submitted via e-mail to [email protected] . Telephone requests or inquires will not be accepted.