This is a SOURCES SOUGHT ANNOUNCEMENT ONLY

The intent of this Sources Sought Announcement is to assist in our decision-making process for services procurement. This is not a solicitation, nor request for quotes or proposals. Through the receipt of responses, this will enable a more precise type of procurement process. The Government is not obligated to, nor will it pay for or reimburse any costs associated with responding to this sources sought synopsis request. This notice shall not be construed as a commitment by the Government to issue a solicitation or ultimately award of a contract, nor does it restrict the Government to a particular acquisition approach. Any inquiries are to be made in writing by email to the point of contact, Larry Facio, Contracting Officer. Responses to this notice shall be sent by email to larry.facio@va.gov by the due date and time of 03/13/2025 by 1:00 p.m. (Pacific Time). Upon receipt of capabilities statement, Contracting Officer may request additional market research aide such as informal pricing.

Requesting Medical (Laboratory) Technologist services for the VA Public Health National Program Office, national Public Health Reference Laboratory (PHRL), Five (5) Full-Time Equivalent employees requested. Certified Medical Technologist services by the hour. Technologists will perform high complex molecular laboratory testing such as pathogen agnostic whole genome sequencing (for diagnosis of unknown or emerging pathogens) or pathogen specific testing such as antibody/antigen; RT-PCR, Multilocus sequence typing (MLST); or whole genome sequencing for diagnosis and treatment decision-making in support of the Whole-of-government USG National Biodefense Strategy-Diagnostics Joint Capabilities Plan; CDC Laboratory Response Network (LRN); and VA Public Health preparedness and response requirements (including laboratory surveillance, lookback and outbreak investigations and VA response to high consequence infections such as Ebola, mpox or H5N1 avian influenza). These complex laboratory tests are not available in VHA clinical laboratories. In addition, technologists will perform laboratory information management (LIM) services that connects all VA medical center laboratories with PHRL, given PHRL supports all 150 VA medical centers (VAMC) to provide these services.

Highlighted Areas are mandatory requirements.

1. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Evaluates the suitability of the specimen for analysis, requesting new specimen if determined to be unusable.  Prepares specimens for analysis, ensuring that the physiologic state of the specimen properties is maintained.
• Selects, performs, evaluates and monitors the performance of test procedures using manual and/or instrumental techniques in accordance with established protocols. Recognizes and reacts to indicators of malfunction; locates and implements corrections.
• Conducts quality control procedures on equipment, reagents, and products and maintains proper records for quality control reports.
• Calibrate, standardizes, adjusts and maintains instruments on which trained.  Verifies correct instrument operation using established procedures and quality control checks and monitoring.  Identifies the cause of common problems and makes simple repairs.
• Evaluates the validity of data in relation to the test system and accepted assay procedures.  Correlates quantitative data with patient data (i.e., history, medications) to verify results.
• Performs additional tests to clarify or confirm abnormal patient results.  Recognizes abnormal results that require immediate attention by the physician and reports them directly.
• Responsible for the generation of laboratory results from the work area into the laboratory computer system and for the editing and verification of the results recorded into the computer system.
• Responsible for LIM services to build or maintain connectivity between PHRL and all VAMC clinical laboratories.

2. LOCATION OF WORK AND HOURS

• Hours will be up to 40 hours a week.
• Shift 1: Hours will be between 8am to 5pm (with one-hour lunch) Monday through Friday including holidays.
• Shift 2: Hours will be between 8am to 5pm (with one-hour lunch) Tuesday through Saturday including holidays.
• No overtime authorized.
• Location of work, this will be assigned to employees as needed.
  1. 1.  VA Palo Alto, 3801 Miranda Ave., Palo Alto, CA 94304.

3. KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

• Serve as an expert to perform and provide authoritative advice to staff and troubleshooting ability for more difficult or unique molec