Biospecimen Sample Transfer

The Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Health Administration Veterans Integrated Service Network 22 is seeking a qualified vendor to provide specialized transportation services for biospecimen samples. The service involves a one-time transfer of approximately 77,000 biospecimens, including PBMC, serum, cytokine supernatants, and other research specimens, along with four specialized freezers from the VA San Diego Health Care System to the VA Cooperative Studies Program Clinical Research Pharmacy Coordinating Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The contractor must demonstrate expertise in handling sensitive biological materials with specific requirements including refrigerated transport, temperature monitoring, compliance with federal regulations, and secure handling of infectious substances. This is a sources sought announcement only, not a solicitation, and will be used to determine competitive set-aside eligibility. The response deadline for this sources sought notice is July 18, 2025, with interested vendors required to provide detailed capability statements, company information, SAM UEI numbers, and demonstrate their specialized biospecimen transport expertise.

The contract is designated as a small business set-aside with preference given to Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Businesses, Veteran Owned Small Businesses, 8(a), HubZone, and other small business classifications. The performance period is scheduled from September 1, 2025, through November 30, 2025, with a 90-day service delivery timeline required after contract award. The scope involves transporting approximately 77,000 biospecimens in a single transfer operation, representing a significant logistical undertaking requiring specialized equipment and protocols. The project falls under NAICS code 484230 for Specialized Freight Trucking, Long-Distance, indicating the specialized nature of the transportation services required. No incumbent contractors or specific award values are mentioned in this sources sought announcement, as this is an initial market research effort to identify qualified vendors and determine the appropriate procurement strategy.