Primary Reference Laboratory Services VISN 1

The Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Health Administration is seeking a contractor to provide Primary Reference Laboratory Testing Services, specimen collection (phlebotomy), and courier services for Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 1 across New England. The contractor must hold all required Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) certifications spanning a minimum of 21 test categories, maintain CAP or TJC accreditation with CMS-deemed status, and employ a qualified Medical Director. Critical requirements include establishing vendor-owned specimen collection facilities within 5 miles of served outpatient centers, providing 24/7 customer service, conducting daily courier pickups between 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM Monday through Friday with emergency services available within 3 hours, maintaining specimens for 14 days post-reporting, and delivering test results electronically within 1 hour of completion. The contractor must also possess Laboratory Information System interface capability with VA systems using HL7 messaging without middleware and comply with extensive VA information security requirements and HIPAA regulations. Pricing will be evaluated on a Cost Per Test (CPT) and Cost Per Reportable Result (CPRR) basis with transport services priced separately. The deadline for prospective offerors to submit a capability statement is April 13, 2026, which is 15 days from the notice posting date of March 25, 2026.

This is an unrestricted procurement with no small business set-aside, and the estimated contract value is $41.5 million. The contract is structured as a 5-year Indefinite Delivery and Indefinite Quantities (IDIQ) agreement with option years for extended services and increased quantities, with an anticipated award and effective date of March 27, 2026. The solicitation encompasses service delivery to ten main laboratory facilities and approximately 50 Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) across New England, including locations in Vermont, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut, and Maine. Performance will be evaluated against a Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) with seven key performance standards, including 100% compliance for written consultative reports and patient identification, 98% compliance for specimen identification and integrity, and 95% compliance for delivery times and turnaround schedules. The test menu includes over 2,000 individual laboratory tests and diagnostic procedures spanning chemistry, immunology, microbiology, hematology, toxicology, pathology, and specialized genetic testing services. Contract continuation beyond the base period will be contingent upon the contractor meeting or exceeding established performance standards using a three-tier Green/Yellow/Red rating system.