Notice of Intent to Sole Source - Blood Analyzers

The Defense Health Agency (DHA) has issued a Special Notice of Intent to Sole Source a contract for blood analyzers at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, VA. The notice specifically targets the procurement of twenty-one point-of-care whole blood gas/pH/electrolyte analyzers from Abbott Laboratories Inc. This sole source procurement is unique because Abbott Laboratories holds exclusive rights to produce and distribute the iSTAT system, which offers specialized testing capabilities not available from other vendors. The contract will cover the analyzers, associated reagents, quality control, maintenance, and consumables for an initial performance period from September 2025 through August 2026, with potential for four additional option years. The opportunity is classified under NAICS code 334516 for Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing and does not have any specific set-aside restrictions.

Contractors interested in this opportunity may submit a 5-page capability statement by 4:30 PM EST on April 15, 2025, to Joshua.m.grim.civ@health.mil with the subject line "Blood Analyzers". The sole source justification is predicated on Abbott Laboratories' unique ability to provide handheld analyzers capable of performing specialized tests, including kaolin activated clotting time and cardiac troponin I testing. While the contract appears to be targeted specifically to Abbott Laboratories, the DHA is still required to provide an opportunity for other potential sources to demonstrate their capabilities. Eligible contractors should carefully review the detailed requirements and be prepared to articulate their specific capabilities if they believe they can meet the government's needs. The procurement represents a focused medical technology acquisition aimed at enhancing diagnostic capabilities at the Naval Medical Center Portsmouth through advanced blood analysis equipment.