Clinical Reference Laboratory Testing Services

The Defense Health Agency is preparing to solicit a single-award IDIQ contract for Clinical Reference Laboratory Testing Services via solicitation HT001526RE001, with final release expected within seven days of this draft posting on May 6, 2026. This opportunity is set aside for Women-Owned Small Businesses under NAICS 621511 (Medical and Diagnostic Laboratories).

The contract runs ten years: a five-year base ordering period beginning June 20, 2026, plus a five-year option period, with an optional six-month transition period available if the incumbent does not win. The DHA estimates approximately 128,000 projected tests monthly across the contract life, supporting approximately 16 military treatment facilities (MTFs) at CONUS and OCONUS locations and subordinate DoD sites spanning the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, and Navy. Services include comprehensive clinical reference laboratory testing across chemistry, hematology, urinalysis, microbiology, molecular testing, histology, cytology, and genetic testing (CPT codes 80047–89398, 90281–99607, 99091–99499, 0002M–0020M, 0042T–0900T, 0001U–0520U); specimen processing at MTFs exceeding 2,000 monthly specimens and $30,000 monthly expenditures; 24/7 customer service; courier services with routine daily pickups and STAT response within three hours; and results delivery via Laboratory Information System interface with MHS Genesis.

The contractor must hold CAP accreditation and HHS-approved accreditation for subcontractors; employ American Board of Pathology-certified laboratory directors; achieve CMMC Level 2 certification at award; and comply with CLIA regulations and state law. Key personnel including Contract Manager, Quality Manager, and contractor representatives require background investigations, Common Access Card registration, and mandatory DoD training completion. The contractor must complete a six-month transition period with full performance capability by transition completion and provide an initial eight-week supply stock upon award. Specimen retention is seven days (30 days upon request) at no additional cost. A Mission Essential Contractor Services Plan addressing 180-day pandemic/emergency continuity is required within 30 days of award. All contractor personnel must submit DD Form 1423-1 System Security Plan, complete DD Form 2875 System Authorization Access Request, and implement B2B Gateway infrastructure per specification.

Evaluation employs best-value tradeoff methodology across four factors (Technical, Performance Risk/Past and Present Performance, Small Business Subcontracting, and Price), with non-price factors significantly more important than price. Small business subcontracting minimum goals are 30% total (5% SDB, 5% WOSB, 3% HUBZone, 3% SDVOSB) with credible, verifiable documentation required. Proposal volumes are limited to 45 pages for technical content and must be submitted via email in .xlsx, .docx, or PDF format using 11-point Times New Roman or Arial font. Prices are firm for 180 calendar days. Award is contingent on acceptable technical rating, satisfactory confidence or higher on performance risk, acceptable small business participation rating, fair and reasonable pricing, and confirmed contractor responsibility.