The Department of Veterans Affairs, Network Contracting Office 17, has issued a Sources Sought Notice for specialized genetic laboratory testing and consultation services. This is not a solicitation, but a market research effort to identify qualified small business socioeconomic concerns. The South Texas Veterans Health Care System requires these services for patient specimens that cannot be processed on-site, including specific cancer and colo-related genetic tests. Contractors must provide complementary studies to reduce variants of unknown significance (VUS) and supply evidence of supporting variant classifications. Required accreditations include CLIA and CAP. Responses are due by December 30, 2025, and must include company information, SAM UEI, business size, socio-economic status, and a capability statement addressing all Statement of Work requirements. Small businesses must also verify compliance with subcontracting limitations.
This Statement of Work outlines the requirements for a contractor to provide specialized genetic laboratory testing and guidance for eligible Veterans Affairs (VA) beneficiaries of the South Texas Veterans Health Care System (STVHCS). The contractor must provide all necessary personnel, equipment, and materials for Exome and Genomic tests, Oncology, and Pathology, including complementary studies to reduce variants of unknown significance (VUS). Specific in-house tests, such as Cancer Next and Colo Next+ RNA Insight, are detailed with turnaround times. The contractor is responsible for providing a secure online portal for test ordering, tracking, and reporting, ensuring timely testing of specimens, and supplying collection materials for special handling. Test reports must include comprehensive patient and test information. The contractor must also provide daily incomplete specimen reports and monthly utilization reports, and store specimens for 7-10 days post-reporting. All results will be securely returned to the VA for entry into their system. The selected laboratory must be fully licensed, accredited (CAP, CLIA, Joint Commission, AABB as applicable), and comply with HIPAA and VHA Directive 1106. Services are required Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding federal holidays. The Contracting Officer is the sole authority for contract changes. The contractor will not perform inherently governmental functions, access VA desktop computers, or remove VA equipment. While the contractor will have access to Patient Health Information (PHI), they cannot access the VA system. Strict adherence to records management laws, NARA policies, and HIPAA is mandated, including training for all contractor employees handling records. Contractors and healthcare practitioners must obtain a National Provider Identifier (NPI).