Q301--T-SPOT.TB Assay Testing

The G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VAMC Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service is seeking a reference laboratory for T-Spot TB testing to screen healthcare employees and patients for Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. The contractor must be CLIA and CAP accredited, provide daily specimen pick-up, and deliver results within 72 hours, including VA patient identifiers. The contract runs from October 2026 to September 2027, with an optional year. Quality assurance monitors service quality, business relations, and turnaround time. Strict security and privacy requirements, including compliance with federal and VA regulations, data protection, security incident reporting, and mandatory training, are enforced. The contractor is liable for liquidated damages in case of a data breach. Records management must adhere to NARA and VA policies, with all data and deliverables becoming U.S. Government property.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Network Contracting Office (NCO) 16 issued a Sources Sought Notice (SSN) to identify qualified laboratories for T-SPOT.TB Assay Testing. This SSN aims to gather market research to determine an appropriate acquisition strategy for an anticipated requirement, specifically for in-house T-SPOT.TB assay performance. The primary NAICS code is 621511 (Medical Laboratories). Vendors must demonstrate in-house testing capabilities, logistics for daily specimen pickup in Jackson, MS, and adherence to specimen stability windows. Required responses include proof of CLIA and CAP accreditation, organizational information, government contract vehicles, and confirmation of ability to meet Statement of Work (SOW) requirements such as processing specimens within 32 hours, reporting results within 72 hours, handling approximately 1,700 tests annually, and complying with VA cybersecurity and privacy standards. Responses and questions are due to William.Shaver@va.gov by June 23, 2026, and June 22, 2026, respectively. Estimated market pricing is also encouraged. If no capable laboratories respond, the VA may proceed with a sole-source action.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Network Contracting Office 16 has issued a Sources Sought Notice (36C25626Q0942) for T-SPOT.TB Assay Testing. This notice, under Product Service Code Q301 and NAICS Code 621511, is a request for information from potential contractors. The response deadline is June 23, 2026, at 7:00 AM Central Time. The intended place of performance is the G.V. Sonny Montgomery VA Medical Center in Jackson, MS. Interested parties are directed to review the attached draft Statement of Work (Attachment A) for detailed background and technical requirements. The point of contact for this solicitation is Contract Specialist William Shaver.

The Department of Veterans Affairs, Network Contracting Office 16 (NCO16), has issued a Notice of Intent to Sole Source for T-SPOT.TB assay testing services. The VA plans to award a firm-fixed-price open market purchase order, including two option years, to Quest Diagnostics in Chantilly, Virginia. Under FAR 6.302-1, Quest Diagnostics is identified as the only responsible source capable of meeting the rigorous operational demands of the contract. The required services encompass in-house performance of the T-SPOT.TB assay, daily specimen pickup and secure transport, strict adherence to specimen stability windows, and compliance with CLIA, CAP, and VA reporting standards. Due to these combined logistical and regulatory constraints, the government has determined that utilizing another source would present unacceptable risks to employee and patient screening operations. While this notice is not a competitive request for quotes, the VA will consider capabilities from interested parties that can provide clear and convincing evidence of their ability to meet all performance, accreditation, and courier logistics requirements. Detailed qualification statements must be submitted via email to Contract Specialist William Shaver by July 26, 2026, at 7:00 AM Central Time. If no viable responses are received, the VA will proceed with the sole-source award.