The Department of Veterans Affairs is soliciting proposals for laboratory courier services at the James A. Haley Veterans Hospital in Tampa, Florida. The required service includes routine and unscheduled emergency pickups and deliveries of laboratory specimens and medical supplies, with operations expected from Monday to Saturday, excluding federal holidays, and 24/7 availability for urgent needs. Contractors must adhere to strict regulations regarding the transportation of biohazardous materials, maintain confidentiality of patient information, and meet local, state, and federal standards. Responsibilities include signing a Business Associate Agreement, ensuring driver compliance, and providing climate-controlled vehicles. Quality assurance will be enforced, with evaluations focusing on timeliness and condition of transported items. References highlighting prior experience with such services must be provided. The deadline for proposals is set for February 17, 2025, further emphasizing the need for a capable and compliant contractor to fulfill the critical logistical needs of the hospital’s healthcare services.
The Sources Sought Notice issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs seeks to identify small businesses, particularly Service Disabled and Veteran Owned, capable of providing laboratory courier services for the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital in Tampa, Florida. The NAICS Code specified is 492110, focusing on couriers and express delivery services, including the transport of medical supplies, specimens, and sensitive documents.
The Notice outlines that contractors must demonstrate their capabilities via a Capability Statement and provide proof of being an authorized distributor. The scope includes both routine and emergency delivery services available 24/7. Additionally, it emphasizes strict adherence to confidentiality, safety in transportation, and compliance with federal and state regulations.
Contractors must possess a minimum of five years of relevant experience, maintain the necessary equipment and licenses, and ensure data security compliance via training for all employees. The delivery performance is monitored through quality control metrics, with a focus on customer service expectations and the handling of biohazard materials. This notice serves as a preliminary step in market research, aiming to inform future procurement without obligating the government to any sealed bids or proposals at this stage. It indicates the VA's commitment to securing reliable and compliant courier services for patient care.