Blood Unit Retypes and Immunohematology Testing Services

The Department of Health and Human Services Indian Health Service, specifically the Billings Area Indian Health Service Blackfeet Service Unit in Browning, Montana, has issued a Special Notice of Intent to Award a Sole Source Contract. The contract is designated for blood unit retypes and immunohematology testing services, classified under NAICS code 6215 for Medical and Diagnostic Laboratories. Northern Plains Laboratory, located in Bismarck, North Dakota, has been identified as the intended sole source contractor. The contract will be awarded under Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 6.302-1, which permits sole source awards when only one responsible source can satisfy agency requirements. The solicitation is specifically for specialized testing services that meet FDA and CMS regulations and Joint Commission accreditation standards.

The primary objective of this Special Notice is to secure specialized blood testing services through a direct award to Northern Plains Laboratory, which is deemed the only provider capable of meeting the agency's specific requirements in the region. Contractors interested in challenging this sole source determination may submit a written statement of capabilities directly to teri.kittson@ihs.gov as a Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF attachment. Any submitted capabilities statements must provide clear and convincing evidence that competition would be advantageous to the government. The notice emphasizes that telephone requests and offers will not be considered, and any costs associated with preparing and submitting documentation are the sole responsibility of the respondent. The deadline for submitting capability statements is March 12, 2025, and the notice explicitly states that this announcement does not constitute a formal solicitation but provides an opportunity for potential alternative providers to demonstrate their qualifications.