Outsource Clinical Testing Services for HETL

The State of Maine Department of Health and Human Services, through the Division of Procurement Services, is requesting quotations for outsourced clinical testing services for the Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory (HETL) under an RFQ with quotations due February 27, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. EST. All submissions must go through the State of Maine Advantage Vendor Self Service (VSS) electronic procurement system.

HETL, located at 47 Independence Drive, Augusta (CLIA certification number 20D0649525, expiring July 2, 2025), needs a one-year master agreement with three optional renewal years running from April 15, 2024 through April 14, 2028. The scope covers clinical microbiology testing services: submission of human clinical specimens and bacterial isolates to reference laboratories for diagnostic testing of infectious disease agents, including routine and continuity-of-operations (COOP) protocols. Testing volumes vary widely — from one test annually for certain pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis serotyping to 100–200 tests annually for SARS-CoV-2 Real Time PCR and 75–100 tests weekly for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea using the Aptima Panther System.

Bidders must submit comprehensive responses including completed bid cover page and debarment form, itemized quotes for all tests specified in technical specifications, product data sheets, warranty information, and CLIA certification documentation. Award will be made on a best value basis to the bidder with the greatest number of low bids on the defined test list; the state will not accept partial or incomplete bids and may disqualify bidders who fail to bid on all required items. Selected bidder must hold unit prices for all tests for a minimum of one year. All quotations must remain valid and binding for 180 days from bid opening. The state anticipates net 30 payment terms and is exempt from federal, state, and local taxes. All vendor questions must be submitted through the Q&A List tab on the Solicitation Details View page on VSS.