The Department of Veterans Affairs, specifically the Saint Cloud VAMC, seeks sources capable of supplying blood bank products and services. The aim is to establish a contract for a base year, with four option years, for the provision of these essential healthcare products on an as-needed basis.

This opportunity is a sources sought notice, seeking vendors that can supply medical products and services to the Saint Cloud Health Care System. The focus is on blood products, including red blood cells, platelets, and frozen plasma, along with associated testing services. The VA aims to gather market research and information on potential suppliers.

The scope involves providing the Saint Cloud VA Healthcare System with a comprehensive range of blood products and transfusion-related referral lab testing services. The products must adhere to FDA regulations and AABB standards.

Key tasks include:

• Supplying blood products, such as red blood cells, platelets, and frozen plasma, in accordance with VA requirements.
• Ensuring products are collected, stored, and transported while maintaining proper temperatures.
• Providing immunohematology reference laboratory services around the clock.
• Delivering products within specified timeframes, with urgency based on SCVAHCS needs.
• Informing the VA immediately about any safety concerns or recalls.

1. Blood products, including those listed in the Schedule of Items, supplied as demanded by the SCVAHCS.
2. Immunohematology reference laboratory services for red cell antibody identification, available 24/7, with results provided within 24-48 hours.
3. Courier services for timely delivery and pick-up of products, adhering to strict temperature requirements.

Vendors should possess the requisite licenses, certifications, and accreditations to operate as blood banks or healthcare providers. Specifically, applicants should:

• Be registered with the FDA as a blood bank.
• Hold an unrevoked U.S. License under the Public Health Service Act.
• Comply with AABB and CLIA standards.
• Have professional liability insurance.
• Be accredited by the AABB and provide proof of their quality processes and proficiency testing.

The contract is estimated to be valued at $4,799,999.96 for the base year. The four optional years, if exercised, would increase the potential value to approximately $19,199,999.84.

The contract type is expected to be a firm, fixed-price, indefinite delivery indefinite quantity agreement.

Interested parties should provide their Unique Entity Identifier number and proof of their ability to supply the requested products and services, including responses to the questions outlined in the notice. Submissions are due on or before July 31st, 2024, and should be sent to Jeffrey.Brown8@va.gov.

The VA will evaluate submissions based on the completeness and relevance of the information provided, with a focus on the ability to meet the specialized requirements. Key evaluation factors include the vendor's:

1. Socio-economic category.
2. Relationship with the manufacturer (if not the primary vendor).
3. Compliance with FAR Provision 52.225-2(b) for product origin.
4. Ability to provide services against government contracts.
5. Adherence to 13 CFR 121.406(b)(1)(i), (b)(1)(ii), and (b)(1)(iii).
6. Estimated shipping and delivery times.
7. Quality and timeliness of the proposed services, including response times for urgent and non-urgent situations.

For clarification or further information, interested parties can contact the Contracting Officer, Jeffrey Brown, at Jeffrey.Brown8@va.gov or 651-293-3009.

The VA encourages potential applicants to carefully consider the requirements and submit a responsive application ahead of the deadline.