Q301--Transplant Laboratory Testing

The Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Integrated Service Network 16, through the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston, Texas, is seeking to procure comprehensive transplant laboratory testing services classified under NAICS 621511 (Medical Laboratories) and PSC Q301 (Reference Laboratory Testing). The contractor will provide histocompatibility and transplant-related immune evaluation testing for Veterans, with a specific focus on kidney and potential heart transplant programs. Key requirements include maintaining a histocompatibility testing lab within the Houston geographic area, providing 24/7 diagnostic and reporting capabilities, performing daily specimen pickups, and adhering to strict testing protocols including HLA typing, crossmatches, and antibody identification. The contractor must obtain approvals from Medicare, the College of American Pathologists (CAP), and the United Network of Organ Sharing (UNOS). This Pre-solicitation Notice is a Request for Information and Sources Sought designed to gather market research; responses are due by 1:00 PM Central Time on October 31, 2025, submitted via email in Microsoft Word format to identify potential vendors and define the procurement strategy.

No set-aside designations have been applied to this procurement, and no incumbent contractor information is provided in the pre-solicitation notice. The contract will run from April 1, 2026, through March 31, 2027, with four optional 12-month renewal years. While no specific award value is disclosed in the pre-solicitation materials, the small business size standard referenced is $41.50 million annually, indicating this is a substantial procurement opportunity. The VA is encouraging small business concerns to submit estimated market pricing to support the determination of procurement strategy. The draft Performance Work Statement indicates the contractor will be responsible for weekly participation in transplant medical review board meetings, providing expert consultation, and submitting monthly invoices and performance reports to the MEDVAMC.