Proficiency Testing for CLSU

NOTICE OF INTENT TO ISSUE SOLE SOURCE AWARD

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Indian Health Service (IHS), Bemidji Area intends to award a Firm Fixed Priced Contract on a sole source basis to COLLEGE OF AMERICAN PATHOLOGISTS, for CASS LAKE INDIAN HEALTH SERVICE HOSPITAL, CASS LAKE, MN. The anticipated period of performance will include a base plus 4 option years.

The sole source action will be issued under the authority of Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 13.501(a) - only one source reasonably available due Cass Lake Service Unit is accredited by the Joint Commission. The Joint Commission and the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) require that labs enroll with a CMS approved proficiency testing program for the regulated analyte performed in the lab. The Joint Commission provides a list of possible CMS Proficiency Providers that are CLIA approved programs. The 2023 listing shows each program and what their services would be. The Cass Lake Service unit has reviewed each and no other providers/programs offer the entire test menu required for Cass Lake Service Unit Lab at this time, only CAP.  For accreditation and risk purposes, using multiple proficiency testing providers is not ideal due to the resulting/documentation/error notifications.

IHS Manual states, "Ch. 6 Laboratory Services, Part 3 - Professional Services:

3-6.10 Quality Assurance:

Each clinical laboratory shall have a quality assurance policy which complies with the standards established by HCFA, JCAH, and CAP.  The policy should include but not be limited to the following:

B. Participation in CAP Proficiency Testing Survey Program.

External CAP Proficiency Testing: Participation in the CAP proficiency testing program is required."

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 621511 – Medical Laboratories  – with a size standard of $41.5 M.

Points of contact for this acquisition are the Purchasing Agent, De’Lana Tangren, Delana.Tangren@IHS.gov. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotes.

Interested persons may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement or submit a quote to Purchasing Agent, De’Lana Tangren at Delana.Tangren@IHS.gov. or Contracting Specialist Mary Simon at Mary.Simon2@IHS.gov. Information received in response to this notice will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement.

Any response to this notice must show clear and convincing evidence that competition would be advantageous to the Government. In doing so, interested sources must submit technical capabilities, and other information that demonstrates their ability to meet the Government's needs.