Seeking IEE vendors to provide brand name only: Bridge Contract f/Immunoassay Reagents Supplies & Analyzer Support Services @ Fort Yates IHS Hospital, Fort Yates, ND.

Sources Sought: Bridge Contract for Immunoassay Reagents, Supplies, and Analyzer Support Services Sources Sought Notice Number: SSN-IHS1528137 This source sought notice is for informational and planning purposes only and shall not be construed as a solicitation, an obligation or commitment by the Indian Health Service. The Government is evaluating potential application of the Buy Indian Act for this acquisition. Market research results will determine whether a Buy Indian set-aside is appropriate. Market Research Notice: This Sources Sought Notice is issued solely for the purpose of conducting market research in accordance with FAR Part 10 and the Buy Indian Act (25 U.S.C. 5323). While the Government currently utilizes healthcare staffing or professional services, this notice is intended to determine whether qualified Indian Economic Enterprises (IEE) can provide Abbott Architect i1000SR immunoassay reagents, supplies, maintenance, and analyzer support services. Any future determination to restrict competition to one or a sole source will be supported by a separate full and open competition justification in accordance with applicable FAR requirements. This source sought notice is intended strictly for market research to determine the availability Indian Economic Enterprises (IEE). Your responses to the information requested will assist the Government in determining the appropriate acquisition method, including whether a set-aside is possible. The anticipated applicable NAICS code for this acquisition is 334516, Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing, and other relevant NAICS codes will be considered based on responses received. BACKGROUND: Indian Health Service (IHS), Great Plains Area Office (GPAO) provides support to the Indian Health Clinics and Hospitals in North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa. The GPAO ensures that all health clinics and hospitals have supplies, services, support, oversight, and other needs to provide healthcare for eligible Native American patients that are registered for supplies, equipment and services. The Indian Health Service (IHS), Great Plains Area Office (GPAO), located in Aberdeen, South Dakota. It is conducting market research to identify potential small business sources capable of providing Abbott Architect i1000SR immunoassay reagents, supplies, maintenance, and analyzer support service at a hospital located in the Great Plains Area. The location of the performance is the IHS Standing Rock Service Unit, located in Fort Yates, North Dakota. The Government currently utilizes supplies and services within the region, however, this Sources Sought Notice is issued solely to assess the availability and capability of qualified Indian Economic Enterprises (IEE)) or other Small Business that can provide Abbott Architect i1000SR immunoassay reagents, supplies, maintenance, and analyzer support services. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Business Size Standard of Company (i.e. small business, 8(a), Woman owned, veteran owned, etc.). Socioeconomic Status and Required Documentation: Respondents shall clearly identify all applicable socioeconomic categories, including: Indian Small Business Economic Enterprise (ISBEE) Indian Economic Enterprise (IEE) 8(a) Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB) HUBZone Small Business Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB) Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Economically Disadvantaged WOSB (EDWOSB) Other Small Business Large Business Required Documentation: (a) Proof of ISBEE/IEE status (including completed IEE Representation Form and Tribal/ownership documentation). (b) SBA certification numbers or evidence for 8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, WOSB, EDWOSB, etc. (c) Confirmation of business size relative to NAICS 561320. (d) Confirmation of current SAM registration (consistent with Item #2). Responses are requested from all qualified firms, including but not limited to ISBEE, IEE, 8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, WOSB, and large businesses. Responses will assist the Government in determining whether the requirement may be set aside under Buy Indian Act authority. PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS) Bridge Contract for Immunoassay Reagents, Supplies, and Analyzer Support Services BACKGROUND The Standing Rock Service Unit requires uninterrupted laboratory diagnostic capability to support patient care services. The Architect i1000SR immunoassay analyzer is currently in use and requires continuous availability of reagents, consumable supplies, maintenance, and technical support services to ensure operational readiness and accuracy of laboratory testing. This bridge contract is necessary to prevent any lapse in services while follow-on contractual actions are completed. The follow-on acquisition was not completed prior to expiration of the current contract due to acquisition lead-time constraints, including requirements development, market research, internal review processes, and contract coordination activities. The Government is actively pursuing follow-on acquisition and has implemented mitigation measures intended to reduce the likelihood of recurring bridge actions. These measures include earlier acquisition planning milestones, enhanced procurement tracking, coordination between program and contracting personnel, and periodic acquisition status reviews to support timely contract award. OBJECTIVE The objective of this Performance Work Statement is to obtain contractor support for the provision of immunoassay reagents, consumable supplies, preventive and corrective maintenance, and technical support services necessary to maintain uninterrupted operation of the Abbott Architect i1000SR Immunoassay Analyzer. The Contractor shall support continuous laboratory operations and assist the Government in maintaining operational readiness and timely diagnostic testing capability. This requirement is critical to maintaining uninterrupted patient diagnostic services during the interim period pending award of the follow-on contract. Performance outcomes include maintaining analyzer uptime consistent with manufacturer standards, minimizing service disruptions, supporting uninterrupted patient care operations, and ensuring laboratory testing turnaround times are not adversely impacted by equipment downtime, reagent shortages, or delayed technical support. SCOPE OF SERVICES The Contractor shall provide all labor, supervision, materials, equipment, reagents, consumables, transportation, and technical support necessary to maintain full operational capability of the Architect i1000SR Immunoassay Analyzer. Mandatory Services The following services are required under this contract: Provision of manufacturer-approved immunoassay reagents compatible with the Architect i1000SR Supply of all required consumables and ancillary materials Preventive maintenance services in accordance with manufacturer specifications Corrective maintenance and repair services Remote and/or on-site technical support and troubleshooting as required to restore operational capability Documentation of maintenance activities and service events Optional or Conditional Services The following services may be required when applicable to system operation or directed by the Government: Software updates and system optimization, if applicable and authorized by the Government Provision of quality control materials, if required for system operation Additional technical consultation or specialized troubleshooting support beyond standard maintenance requirements The Contractor shall ensure all products and services comply with OEM specifications, FDA requirements, manufacturer specifications, and all applicable laboratory regulatory standards. EQUIPMENT COVERED Primary Equipment Abbott Architect i1000SR Immunoassay Analyzer Ancillary Equipment Abbott Link Firewall (currently installed and operational) The Contractor shall maintain all covered equipment in optimal operating condition to support continuous laboratory operations. Maintenance responsibilities include covered ancillary connectivity components necessary for analyzer operation. PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS The table of the performance standards is in section #6 of the PWS. NON-PERSONAL SERVICES This is a non-personal services contract. Contractor personnel shall not be supervised by Government personnel. Nothing in this contract shall be construed to create an employer-employee relationship between the Government and Contractor personnel. Contractor personnel shall not perform inherently governmental functions as defined in FAR 7.503. All decisions involving Government policy, contract administration authority, inherently governmental determinations, or official Government representation shall remain the sole responsibility of Government personnel. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE All services shall be performed at: Standing Rock Service Unit 10 Standing Rock Ave, Fort Yates, ND 58538 (701) 854-3831 DELIVERABLES - The table of the deliverable standards is in section #9 of…