Intent to Sole Source PCR Molecular Testing

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Veterans Health Administration Veterans Integrated Service Network 2 has issued a Special Notice announcing its intent to sole source a contract for PCR Molecular Testing equipment and services. The notice pertains to procuring diagnostic testing reagents, supplies, and maintenance services for multiple VA medical centers in New York and New Jersey. Specifically, the VA intends to award the contract to Cepheid for GeneXpert Infinity 48-48 machines and associated reagents. The testing capabilities will cover multiple diagnostic areas including Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus, Clostridium difficile, SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A/B, RSV, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The solicitation is identified by the number 36C24225Q0433 and was posted on March 13, 2025.

The primary purpose of this Special Notice is to conduct market research and provide an opportunity for potential vendors to demonstrate comparable capabilities to Cepheid. Interested contractors must submit detailed capabilities and pricing data via email to Contracting Officer Aleta Jennette at Aleta.Jennette@va.gov by 10:00 AM EST on March 20, 2025. The VA emphasizes that this is not a formal request for proposals, and no contract award will be made based on responses to this notice. Eligibility is open to contractors who can prove they can provide equivalent testing equipment, reagents, and maintenance services for the specified GeneXpert machines. The government retains sole discretion to determine whether to compete the proposed contract based on received responses, with no guarantee of further action or communication beyond this market research notice. The procurement is categorized under NAICS Code 334516 (Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing) and Product Service Code 6640 (Laboratory Equipment and Supplies).