Cepheid leased analyzer and reagents

The Department of the Army Medical Command issued a Notice of Intent to Award Sole Source for a five-year firm-fixed-price contract with Cepheid to provide leased molecular diagnostic analyzers and FDA-approved reagents to Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center at Fort Hood, Texas, with anticipated award on or about July 31, 2026. The sole-source authority derives from 41 U.S.C. Section 1901; no competitive proposals are sought, and the government reserves discretion to proceed or not proceed based on this notice.

The $6.3 million contract covers nine GeneXpert XVI analyzer leases and five specific molecular diagnostic test cartridges (C. difficile/Epi, MRSA, Group B Strep, Group A Strep, and RSV/Flu/COVID-19) for the Pathology and Microbiology Departments. Base-year annual lease costs total $546,083.40 and annual reagent costs total $1,146,667.50, with four one-year renewal options at identical pricing. Performance runs October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2031, contingent on available Fiscal Year Defense Health Program funds.

Cepheid is the original equipment manufacturer and sole manufacturer of compatible analyzers and reagents. The facility currently operates four government-owned Cepheid analyzers; lease additions must maintain technical and consumable compatibility to preserve clinical standardization and system integration. Market research conducted in April 2026 identified four small businesses offering molecular analyzer leases, but none could provide compatible Cepheid products. The government will conduct market research prior to exercising each option period to assess whether compatible alternatives have become available. NAICS 334516 (Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing) applies, with small business size standard of 1,000 employees.