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SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE

This is a Sources Sought notice 75H709-CR23Q-025. This is NOT a solicitation for proposals, proposal abstracts, or quotations. Pursuant to 48 CFR Part 326, Subpart 326.603-3 and IHM 5.5-6, Indian Health Service must use the negotiation authority of the Buy Indian Act, 25 U.S.C. 47, to give preference to Indian Economic Enterprises (IEE) whenever the use of that authority is authorized and practicable.

The Government is seeking to identify Indian Small Business Economic Enterprises (ISBEEs), Indian Economic Enterprises (IEE), and any other category of vendor capable of performing the below Indian Health Services (IHS) requirement. Any vendor responding to this notice should submit their capability statement as well as the Buy Indian Act Indian Economic Enterprise Representation Form (attached).

Consistent with the revised Buy Indian Act, HHS/IHS adopted the definition of an Indian Economic Enterprise (IEE) set forth in 48 CFR 1480.201. This definition includes the following requirement, amongst others: “the Indians or Indian Tribes must, together, receive at least a majority of the earnings from the contract.”

Instructions for submission are outlined further below.

DEFINITIONS

INDIAN ECONOMIC ENTERPRISE (IEE):

Any business activity owned by one or more Indians, Federally Recognized Indian Tribes, or Alaska Native Corporations provided that:

• The combined Indian, Federally Recognized Indian Tribe or Alaska Native Corporation ownership of the enterprise constitutes not less than 51%;


• The Indian, Federal Recognized Indian Tribes, or Alaska Native Corporations must, together, receive at least 51% of the earnings from the contract; and


• The management and daily business operations must be controlled by one or more individuals who are Indians.

DESCRIPTION OF REQUIREMENT

NAICS:

561320

Size standard $34.0

Duration:

12 months

Work Schedule:

12 hours during night shift hours, 1800-0600 4 days per week.

Unique Requirements:

1. The contractor shall ensure Medical Technologists are qualified within industry standards. The Medical Technologist responsible for the application, modification and extension of analytical methods and procedures in the performance of a variety of tests/examinations of human tissue fluid and/or other substances in the clinical laboratory. Work assignments encompassed include such specializations as clinical chemistry, special chemistry, microbiology, hematology, immunology, urinalysis and blood banking.


2. Performs a wide range of clinical laboratory tests/examinations per request by medical staff for use in the clinical diagnosis, patient screening, monitoring patient therapy and status and other authorized purpose. The accomplishment of such tests/examinations includes but is not limited to the following:
   
   
   
   1. Performance of standardized procedures in accordance with established methodologies, technical references and precedents. Exercises judgment to locate and select the most appropriate guides and references to apply for specific purposes. On an irregular or intermittent basis, make minor deviations to adapt or modify established guides to specific situations.
   
   
   2. Performance of non-standardized procedures involves the use of methods, techniques, instructions or other processes or actions, which are not fully covered in detail by instructions or in the laboratory procedure manual. Performance of test/examination requires experienced judgment in determining the best (i.e., most accurate and reliable) way to perform procedures.
   
   
   3. Performance of laboratory procedures, which involves the extension of methods for clinical laboratory use. The development of extended methods involves such activities as a thorough and extensive review of the methodology, manuals, and literature; an evaluation of the value of the material; the development of ideas on how to approach the problem or question at hand; the selection of methods and ideas that appear to be slightly applicable or useful; adaptation of the methods selected to meet the characteristics of the substances involved or the requirements of the assignments; experimentation, processing and validation of the tests/examinations; development of criteria for quality control checks; and devising and writing guides and instructions for local laboratory use.
   
   
   
   


3. Performs the following in connection with accomplishment of duties outlined in paragraph (A) above.
   
   
   
   1. Withdraws appropriate quantities of blood by vein punctures and capillary puncture. Instructs patients and/or hospital personnel in the collection, preservation and transport of specimens.
   
   
   2. Sets up, operates and/or utilizes appropriate equipment, instruments, containers and other devices and materials to perform qualitative and quantitative analysis of substances. Assures that such critical characteristics as temperature, humidity, volume, etc., are observed. Prepares solutions, stains, reagents, and media required for the conduct of tests/examinations. Performs such related tasks as labeling; cleaning and sterilizing equipment, glassware and instruments, and writing reports on results.
   
   
   3. Performs quality assessments of all tests/examinations in process and upon completion in order to detect departures from expected reactions. Exercises professional judgment and experience in determining the cause or possible significance of improper or inappropriate outcomes and then repeating or altering procedures and techniques to correct abnormalities and deviations.
   
   
   4. Performs preventive maintenance, periodic inspection and performance testing of equipment and instruments together with the maintenance of appropriate records.
   
   
   5. On an individual assignment or project basis, conducts and/or participates in developmental work related to clinical laboratory operations to include
      
      
      
      1. formulating, documenting and introducing new tests/examinations into the laboratory;
      
      
      2. defining and installing quantity standards and controls to ensure accuracy of test results;
      
      
      3. establishing standards and preparing instructions for calibrating, adjusting and repairing of equipment and instruments and standardizing solutions.
      
      
      4. Provide guidance, direction and training to ancillary laboratory and other personnel when designated as "in charge" of assigned sections/specialization's. Maintains professional knowledge and proficiency in medical technology through continuing education, staff meetings, and participation in professionally oriented activities.
      
      
      5. works on a regularly scheduled 12 hour shift during evenings, nights, holidays, and weekends . May be required to see and treat non-beneficiaries in the course of carrying out the duties of the position. This may include emergency room and inpatient care to non-beneficiaries when on call or until patients can be transferred to a private physician. May be required to provide emergency medical care or coverage during a mass casualty or other such emergency situations at surrounding non-IHS Health Care facilities.
      
      
      
      
   
   
   
   


4. Is trained in the maintenance of the Abbott Architect, Sysmex XN-550 and Siemens CA600 analyzers.


5. Is available to work 12 hours during night shift hours, 1800-0600 4 days per week.

INSTRUCTIONS TO INDUSTRY

ISBEEs are highly encouraged to respond to this notice. However, firms must also understand that generic capability statements are not sufficient for effective evaluation of their capacity and capability to perform the work required. To be considered a capable source, responses must directly demonstrate the company’s capability, experience, and ability to provide services as shown below.

Your response must include but is not limited to the following:

• Number of years of experience in providing qualified Medical Technologists.


• List of past jobs/contracts in providing Medical Technologists.


• The abilities your company possesses in providing Medical Technologists.


• Demonstrate how your company meets the definition for Indian Economic Enterprise (IEE) in consideration to this requirement:
  
  
  
  • How, as the prime IEE, will your company receive at least 51% of the earnings from the awarded contract, or together with the subcontractor if the same category, receive a combined 51% of the earnings from the contract
  
  
  • How, as the prime IEE or together with the subcontractor if the same category, will management and daily operations be controlled by one or more individuals who are Indians.
  
  
  
  

Failure to address these items in your capability statement could exclude your firm from being determined a capable IEE/ISBEE source.

SUBMISSION

Interested parties capable of performing the required services may submit a response via email to: Johnna.pryor@ihs.gov and Tanya.schwab@ihs.gov no later than 09/28/2023.

Interested parties shall submit their capability response as instructed above and include a copy of the Buy Indian Act Indian Economic Enterprise Representation Form. It is recommended to include the sources sought ID in the subject line.

Sources Sought ID: 5. Responses received to this notice will assist in determining the acquisition strategy of the requirement.

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