NAHLN Diagnostic Testing Services

This government Request for Quote (RFQ) (Solicitation Number 12639526Q0089) from the USDA APHIS seeks diagnostic testing services from National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) approved laboratories. The contract, an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) with Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) task orders, will span five one-year ordering periods, not exceeding five years, with a ceiling price of $25,000,000. Services include various culture/isolation, immunoassay, and molecular testing for animal diseases. Quotes will be evaluated based on technical acceptability (NAHLN approval and administrative information) and fair and reasonable pricing. The solicitation incorporates numerous FAR and AGAR clauses, including those related to anti-discrimination, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and restrictions on supplier terms. Questions are due by July 2, 2026, and the solicitation will remain open for one year, with awards potentially made 30 days after publication.

The National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) is establishing an Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract to reimburse approved laboratories for diagnostic testing services for endemic and foreign animal diseases. This cooperative effort between USDA agencies (APHIS, NIFA) and the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (AAVLD) aims to provide a robust infrastructure for early disease detection, rapid outbreak testing, and confirmation of disease freedom. Contractors must provide accessible, timely, and accurate laboratory services, focusing on livestock diseases, and maintain capacity for emergency responses. All approved NAHLN laboratories must have a Quality System consistent with ISO 17025 standards. The IDIQ contract has a 5-year period of performance and a ceiling of $25 million. Task orders will specify authorized diagnostic tests and funding, with invoices submitted monthly and processed through the USDA's Invoice Processing Platform (IPP).

This government file outlines a schedule of testing services offered by a diagnostic laboratory, including instructions for completing a price list for federal, state, and local RFPs. The services are categorized into Culture/Isolation, Immuno Assay, and Molecular Services, with an additional "Other" category. The instructions detail how to enter the laboratory name, provide Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) unit prices for five ordering periods (spanning from 2026 to 2031), and indicate excluded services. Specific tests listed include various ELISA assays for diseases like pseudorabies virus (PRV), bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), and classical swine fever (CSF), as well as PCR tests for influenza A virus (IAV), exotic Newcastle disease virus (END), and foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMD). Sequencing services, such as hemagglutinin and neuraminidase gene sequencing and whole-genome sequencing, are also included. Each service specifies a "Unit of Issue" (e.g., per sample, per isolate, per slide, per result). The document is structured to facilitate clear pricing and service indication for government procurement processes.

The USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has issued a Class Justification to Restrict Competition for specialized animal diagnostic testing services. This justification, valid until May 31, 2036, limits competition to laboratories within the National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) due to their unique qualifications, certifications, and technical capabilities essential for rapid detection and response to animal diseases and bioterrorism. The estimated value is $2.55 billion over ten years, with approximately 51 indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contracts. The statutory authority is FAR 6.103-1, Only One Responsible Source. APHIS will continue to assess the marketplace for additional qualified laboratories and ensure fair and reasonable costs through historical data and independent estimates. Market research indicates a sufficient number of NAHLN-eligible laboratories can meet these critical national animal health surveillance and response needs.