Emergent Reference Lab Testing Services

The Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Health Administration Veterans Integrated Service Network 7, serving the Charleston VA Healthcare System, is soliciting bids for Emergent Reference Lab Testing Services to process urgent and emergent patient specimens that cannot be performed at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center. The procurement covers approximately 55 different specialized laboratory tests, including mycobacteria stains, microbiology specimens, immunoperoxidase stains, therapeutic drug testing, bone marrow workups, and clotting factor assays. Offerors must maintain a current CMS CLIA Certificate for High Complexity Testing, provide specimen courier service, utilize special collection kits and containers, and guarantee a turnaround time of 24 hours or less for STAT and emergency testing. The solicitation is unrestricted and the evaluation criteria will include technical qualifications, pricing information, past performance references, and subcontracting plans where applicable. All quotes must be submitted by December 19, 2025 at 10:00 AM Eastern Time, with offerors required to be registered in SAM.gov prior to submission.

This is an unrestricted procurement with no set-aside designation, and no incumbent contractor is identified in the solicitation materials. The contract performance period runs from January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026, with services to be performed in Charleston, South Carolina. The small business size standard for NAICS code 621511 (Medical Laboratories) is $41.5 million, establishing the threshold for classification purposes. While specific award values or budget ranges are not disclosed in the solicitation notice, the scope and complexity of the required laboratory testing services suggest a significant annual contract value. The rapid turnaround requirements and comprehensive testing portfolio indicate this is a critical service to support the VA's clinical operations and patient care delivery at the Charleston facility.