H988--Rodent Health Testing and Monitoring Services

The Veteran s Administration (VA) Office of Research and Development, Regional Procurement Office East in Pittsburgh, PA intends to negotiate on a sole source basis with IDEXX DISTRIBUTION, INC. of Columbia, Missouri, on behalf of the Minneapolis VA Healthcare System (MVHCS).

MVHCS requires quarterly rodent health testing and monitoring services for its research rats and mice housed in the Veterinary Medical Unit. Although other vendors are capable of performing similar testing, it is necessary for MVHCS to utilize the same laboratory and services as its academic affiliate (University of Minnesota) to facilitate transferability of rodents between the institutions and ensure comparability of test results. This eliminates the need for additional testing, costs, and prolonged quarantining of animals when transferring animals between facilities.

The requirement will take place at the MVHCS.

The Contractor shall complete the following tasks:

Provide complimentary testing materials (specialized filter paper) within an appropriate period of time from the request (approximately two weeks or less).

Receive samples for testing for potential rodent pathogens

Test the samples for potential rodent pathogens:

Every three months (1 quarter, 3 times a year) the following tests may be performed, at minimum:

Mice: R. heylii/R. pneumotropicus, M. pulmonis, Helicobacter spp, K. oxytoca, K. pneumoniae, Salmonella spp, MHV, MVM, MPV 1-5, MNV, TMEV, EDIM, Pinworms, Fur mites, S. muris, E. muris

Rats: R. heylii/R. pneumotropicus, M. pulmonis, Helicobacter spp, K. oxytoca, K. pneumoniae, Salmonella spp, RCV/SDAV, RPV, KRV, H-1, RMV, RTV, Pinworms, Fur mites, S. muris, E. muris

For the last quarter of the year (approximately once, annually), the following tests may be included at minimum:

Mice: F. rodentium, C. piliforme, M. pulmonis, E. cuniculi, Pinworms, Fur Mites, Polyoma, PVM, REO3, Sendai, MPV 1-5, MVM, MCMV, MAV 1, MAV 2, LCMV, EDIM, Ectro, MHV, TMEV

Rats: F. rodentium, C. piliforme, M. pulmonis, Pinworms, Fur Mites, Hantaan, KRV, LCMV, MAV 1, MAV 2, REO3, PVM, RMV, RPV, Sendai, RCV/SDAV, RTV, H-1

Report results from rodent pathogen testing

Timeline defined below in deliverables

Provide expert consultation on next steps if potential rodent pathogen is detected

If test returns positive, provide complimentary confirmatory testing

Provide guidance on best methods/techniques to test for potential rodent pathogens

Reports/Deliverables:

The specific reports/deliverables required of the Contractor shall provide:

Electronic reports of the potential rodent pathogen testing results within a reasonable time frame (ideally two weeks from submission or sooner via email or online platform)

Expert consultation on next steps if a potential rodent pathogen detected

Complimentary confirmatory testing

Guidance on best methods/techniques to test for potential rodent pathogens as technologies evolve

The sole source is pursuant to FAR 6.302-1 - Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals, however; any responsible source who believes it is capable of meeting the requirement may submit a capability statement and supporting documentation to the contracting office no later than 11:59A EST, Wednesday, July 23, 2025. Interest/capability statements may be sent to this Contracting Officer at millicent.covert@va.gov. No telephone responses will be accepted. A determination to not compete the proposed requirement based upon the responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government.