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Request for Information: Laboratory Services

This is a Request for Information for market research and planning purposes only. This is not a request for quote or proposal.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Health Plant Inspection Service (APHIS) is seeking information regarding commercial practices for human diagnostic and laboratory services. Industry feedback on all aspects of the attached draft requirements document is encouraged. Please respond to the “Questions for Industry” below.

The requested market research information will be used to support acquisition planning for human diagnostic and laboratory services in support of the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) in Manhattan, KS. Services will include, and are not limited to:

• Daily Transport: The contractor shall transport specimen from NBAF to the contractor’s CLIA certified laboratory on a daily basis (Monday – Friday). The Government will collect, prepare, and package laboratory specimens in accordance with the requirements defined in the Contractor’s laboratory user’s manual and Contractor’s guidance.

• Irreplaceable Specimen Transport upon request. To ensure minimal risk during transport, the contractor must provide an identifier to represent that the specimen is irreplaceable and have tracking capability. Irreplaceable specimen shall remain with Contractor’s delivering personnel at all times. Irreplaceable specimen shall be delivered directly by vehicle from NBAF to the contractor’s laboratory facility staff within that same day.

• Materials and Supplies: The contractor shall provide all specimen collection supplies, urine drug testing kits, transport containers and materials, transport labels, chain of custody forms for 100% of tests ordered (estimated quantities) plus 20%.

• The contractor shall receive, process, and analyze the samples in a manner that preserves their integrity. Types of lab tests conducted are limited to those specified in Appendix A. Laboratory tests will be ordered on the basis of estimated quantities. The contractor shall invoice only for actual services and quantities rendered.

Questions for Industry:

1. Turnaround Time (TAT): USDA requires daily specimen transport and expedited same-day transport of irreplaceable specimen (pick up from our location in Manhattan, Kansas to your laboratory facility), testing, analysis, and reporting as specified.

• How does industry define turnaround time for transport, analysis, and reporting?


• Is it possible to quote fixed turnaround times for each type of test specified?

2. Transport:

• What method(s) of transportation does industry typically use for the types of tests specified?


• How does industry identify and track irreplaceable specimen? What provisions does industry use to preserve the integrity of the sample in case of delays during same-day transport?

3. Does the Pricing Schedule provide sufficient detail for each test? (Are universal codes required for pricing purposes?)

4. Are materials and supplies (specimen collection supplies, transport containers, etc.) generally included in the unit price for each test? Or are materials and supplies generally separately priced?

5. What obstacles would prevent your company from submitting a future quote for this requirement? What solutions are recommended?

Please send responses by email to Lisa.a.draves@usda.gov. Telephone inquiries will not be honored.

This notice does not constitute a solicitation. Response to this Request for Information is strictly voluntary. The Government will not reimburse any party for its participation in this effort. Information submitted in response to this notice is subject to disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act. Respondents are advised that the Government is under no obligation to acknowledge or provide feedback with respect to any information submitted under this notice. Telephonic requests for information will not be honored.

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