COMBINED SYNOPSIS Q AND A.pdf

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS.

COMBINED SYNOPSIS - 36C24226Q0875 -CYTOPATHOLOGY AND NEXT GENERATION

SEQUENCING (NGS) TESTING SERVICES

Questions Due on 08/13/2026 by 5:00PM.

Offerors Response Due 08/21/2026 by 5:00PM.

1. In the RFQ 36C24226Q0875, we have a minimum of 30 and maximum of 600 in the 5 years period. Should I split the samples equally over the 5 years?

ANSWER: No. The contract's minimum quantity is 30 tests, and the maximum quantity is 600 tests over the five-year ordering period. Annual order volume will not be evenly distributed and will instead vary based on actual patient demand. For planning purposes, the PWS estimates approximately 96 tests per year; however, this is an estimate only, and actual ordering quantities under this IDIQ contract will fluctuate year by year. If additional tests are needed within a given ordering period beyond what was initially ordered, a modification to the task order will be executed, provided the cumulative total ordered does not exceed the 600-test maximum over the life of the contract.

2. Can you please confirm performing cytopathology is a requirement of the solicitation?

ANSWER: Yes. It’s a requirement by the Northport VA Medical Center to include Cytopathology as stated in the PWS. The Contractor is required to perform both the cytopathology reading/interpretation and, when clinically indicated, the NGS molecular testing.

3. We are bidding on this RFP and there is no PWS attached. Can you provide the scope of work.

ANSWER: It’s attached (clipped) to the combined Synopsis PDF. The PDF must be downloaded to view the attachment. Web, tablet, or mobile view does not work to view the attachments incorporated with the Combined Synopsis. Please open the pdf not via internet but as an actual pdf document. * PWS was uploaded separately on 08/10/2026 to ensure access.

4. Can you confirm the approved specimen type(s) for the thyroid NGS molecular testing?

ANSWER: Cytology FNA specimen from the thyroid gland. Contractor provides container (testing kits) with the appropriate fixative.

5. Will the cytology component be read by Northport VAMC or sent to the awarded Contractor for reading?

ANSWER: As indicated in the PWS, the cytopathology reading is to be performed by the awarded Contractor.

6. If Contractor does not offer an exact match to the testing in this RFQ, will Northport VAMC accept alternative comparable test offerings?

Answer: The Contractor's testing must meet or exceed all requirements of the PWS in its entirety, with no exceptions. Any test offering that does not fully satisfy every requirement set forth in the PWS will not be considered acceptable as an alternative or comparable substitute.

In other words, the Contractor must provide documented evidence demonstrating how and why their proposed alternative test meets or exceeds each requirement of the PWS. This evidence must include peer-reviewed clinical validation data and technical specifications supporting equivalent or superior performance, as well as documentation of all other requirements and qualifications stated in the PWS. An alternative test offering for which sufficient supporting evidence is not provided, or which does not fully meet every PWS requirement, will not be accepted as a substitute.

7. Can Contractor include additional test offerings in their pricing proposal?

ANSWER: No. The contractor must follow the PWS requirements.

8. PWS, 21. Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan, Scope – Can you please clarify how timeliness of sample collection will be applicable to the Contractor’s performance if Northport VAMC will be responsible for the collection of samples?

ANSWER: Removing. Northport VAMC is responsible for the sample collection.

9. Where can Contractors provide additional test information with their proposal (i.e. Contractor’s test code, Contractor’s test description, etc.)? Is a separate pricing document with additional information acceptable?

ANSWER: Yes. Contractors may include their test code and test description in the "Description" field of the pricing document. Additional technical details regarding the test's capabilities may be provided separately as part of the Contractor's technical proposal.

NOTE: A REVISED PWS 08/13/2026 HAS BEEN UPLOADED BASED ON THE

QUESTIONS SUBMITTED. Highlighted in yellow are the changes made for clarification or removal.