Seeking IEE vendors to provide brand name only: Bridge Contract f/Immunoassay...

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, ma