Sources Sought Notice - Registered Dietitian Services

The Indian Health Service, Chinle Service Unit, is issuing a sources-sought notice for market research to identify prospective sources for Registered Dietitian services for the Clinical and Community Nutrition Department at Chinle Comprehensive Health Care Facility. This is not a solicitation, but rather an effort to determine acquisition strategy, including competition and set-asides, and to locate Indian-owned economic enterprises. The applicable NAICS code is 561320 – Temporary Help Services. The period of performance includes a one-year base period plus a one-year option period. Interested parties must be registered in SAM.gov and submit company profiles, capability statements, and, if applicable, the IHS IEE Representation Form by June 5, 2026, at 5:00 PM MST to Teola Autaubo at teola.autaubo@ihs.gov.

The Performance Work Statement (PWS) for Non-Personal Services Dietetic Services outlines the requirements for dietitians to support the Indian Health Service (IHS), an agency providing healthcare to American Indians and Alaska Natives. Due to a nationwide shortage, the IHS seeks dietitians for inpatient, outpatient, and community settings in the Navajo, Phoenix, and Tucson Areas, specifically detailing needs for the Chinle Comprehensive Health Care Facility. The contract specifies duties including nutrition planning, education, medical nutrition therapy, and participation in quality improvement, all while adhering to IHS, Joint Commission, and other regulatory standards. Contractors must meet strict qualification requirements, including current registration, BLS certification, a professional dietetic degree, and health screenings. The PWS also covers work schedules, conduct, performance evaluation, and background checks, emphasizing cultural awareness and compliance with federal regulations like HIPAA. Government-furnished property includes PPE and identification, while the contractor provides uniforms and personal medical instruments.

The Indian Health Service (IHS) requires offerors to self-certify their status as an “Indian Economic Enterprise” (IEE) to qualify for contracts under the Buy Indian Act (25 U.S.C. 47). This form, applicable to solicitations, sources sought, and RFIs, mandates that enterprises meet the IEE definition at the time of offer, contract award, and throughout the contract performance period. Contractors must immediately notify the Contracting Officer if they no longer meet eligibility requirements. Eligibility documentation may be requested, and awards are subject to protest. Successful offerors must also be registered with the System for Award Management (SAM). Providing false information is a violation of law, subject to penalties under 18 U.S.C. 1001 for false information and 31 U.S.C. 3729-3731 and 18 U.S.C. 287 for false claims.