Q999--Kidney Biopsies Interpretation and Brain Autopsy.

The Department of Veterans Affairs, Network Contracting Office (NCO) 22, located at 4811 Airport Plaza Drive, Long Beach, CA 90815 is issuing this Notice of Intent (NOI) to inform industry contractors of the Government s intent to execute a Sole Source Award under FAR Part 6.302-1 only one responsible source for a base plus 2 years, firm-fixed-price contract, to Loma Linda University Pathology Medical Group located at 11234 Anderson St. Room 2151 Loma Linda, CA 92354 .

The nephrologists at Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) Loma Linda (LL) have requested to have a local nephropathologist interpret kidney biopsies to ensure rapid turnaround time as an increasing number of cases have been deemed unsatisfactory by the Joint Pathology Center (JPC). JPC requires an increased number of glomeruli present for adequacy evaluation compared to Loma Linda University Pathology Medical Group and has required rebiopsy of multiple patients which resulted in a delay in treatment. Some of the rebiopsies were also deemed inadequate in additional rebiopsies. Rapid turnaround time allows VAMC LL nephrologists to treat patients who are critically ill in a timelier fashion. Utilizing a reference laboratory with a reduced glomeruli adequacy requirement reduces the need for rebiopsy while maintaining a high level of quality due to multiple kidney pathology specialists performing evaluations.

VAMC LL performs approximately 30 autopsies per year and when the clinical history indicates that the patient may have brain pathology, VAMC LL also requires a brain histology examination. VAMC LL currently has no staff neuropathologists, and need interpretation by a neuropathologist for brain examinations will be incorporated into the autopsy reports.

The specimen can be transported same day for processing without incurring excessive transportation fees for shipping whole organs in formalin. It is imperative brains are shipped intact for proper grossing to be of diagnostic value which will delay cause of death determinations if excessive time for shipping, processing, and evaluation are seen. Neuropathologists are extremely specialized subsets and who can perform the grossing on site to eliminate the need for immediate sample transport.

The Contractor shall furnish all labor, materials, supplies, tools, equipment, pick up and delivery to perform the professional component of brain examination and kidney biopsy testing. Turn around time will be 24 hours. Services performed shall conform to industry standards.

Kidney biopsy interpretation will include the immunofluorescence and interpretation of the H&E slides evaluated, in order to arrive at a working clinical diagnosis.

Brain examination will include dissecting the brain and interpreting the H&E and any other stains needed to evaluate the brain.

A determination not to compete this proposed contract was made pursuant to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 12 and FAR Part 6, specifically Part 6.302-1 only one responsible source

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) for this requirement is, 621111 Offices of Physicians (except Mental Health Specialists). Product of Service Code for this requirement is Q999 Medical - Other. The Small Business Administration (SBA) size standard for this sector is 1,000 Employees.

This notice of intent is neither a formal solicitation nor a request for competitive proposals. No solicitation document is available and telephone requests will not be honored. No award will be made on the basis of unsolicited quotations or offers received in response to this notice. Any response to this notice must show clear, compelling and convincing evidence that competition will be advantageous to the Government. The intent of this synopsis is for informational purposes only. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. A determination by the Government not to compete this action based on this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government.

All inquiries and concerns must be addressed in writing via e-mail to Joanne Woo at joanne.woo@va.gov with the following information referenced in the subject line, 36C26227Q0039 Kidney Biopsies Interpretation and Brain Autopsy. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed procurement based on the responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. All interested parties who are responsible, certified, and capable may identify their interest and may submit capability statement which shall be considered by the agency no later than 10:00 AM Pacific Time on October 16, 2026 to Joanne Woo at joanne.woo@va.gov. The interested parties bear full responsibility to ensure complete transmission and timely receipt.

SDVOSB/VOSB respondents.

If respondent is or SDVOSB or VOSB, respondent is encouraged to provide proof of Veteran Small Business Certification (sba.gov) certification. In addition, SDVOSB/VOSB Contractors are asked to acknowledge that they understand the limitations on sub-contracting pursuant to FAR 52.219-14, Limitations on Sub-Contracting, which will be included in the impending solicitation. Further SDVOSB/VOSB contractors are asked to respond that they are capable of providing the requested services keeping within the parameters of this clause.

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