Bid guide
How to bid on Collaborative Testing Services (CTS) Proficiency Testing Supplies for the Defense Health Agency
What the agency is buying and why it matters
The Defense Health Agency Contracting Activity (DHACA) at Fort Detrick intends to award a sole-source contract to Collaborative Testing Services (CTS). This contract is for scheduled proficiency testing supplies for the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory (AFDIL) at Dover AFB, DE. The supplies include bloodstains, dried body-fluid stains, and dried saliva samples.
This opportunity is for vendors who can demonstrate they can provide highly specialized proficiency testing supplies that meet the specific operational, throughput, and scientific requirements of the AFDIL. The agency states that these supplies are crucial for maintaining the laboratory's accreditation and operational integrity.
Key dates and what happens at the deadline
This notice was published on September 09, 2026. The deadline for submitting capability information is September 25, 2026, at 2:00 PM ET. The delivery of supplies is expected to begin on November 01, 2026.
This is a notice of intent to award a sole-source contract, not a request for quotations. If no written responses demonstrating capability are received by the deadline, the contract will be awarded to Collaborative Testing Services as a sole source.
Who this opportunity suits
This opportunity is for firms that can provide highly specialized proficiency testing supplies, specifically bloodstains, dried body-fluid stains, and dried saliva samples, for DNA identification laboratories. The agency has identified specific technical requirements, including validated test substrates, electronic reporting infrastructure, and staggered distribution schedules.
The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this requirement is 334516, with a size standard of 1,250 employees. Firms in the healthcare or scientific testing supply sector with experience in forensic or DNA laboratory support may find this relevant.
How to respond to this notice
To access the original source of this opportunity, click “View original source”. If the first click takes you to the portal's homepage, click it again to go directly to the bid. You may need a free account to view documents.
If your firm believes it can provide these services, you must fully identify your interest and capability. All questions and responses concerning this notice should be emailed to Mr. Christopher L. Cook at [email protected].
Tips for preparing a competitive response
Even though this is a sole-source notice, a strong response clearly demonstrates your firm's ability to meet or exceed the agency's stated requirements. Focus on how your offerings specifically address the operational, throughput, and scientific needs mentioned in the notice.
Provide concrete examples of your firm's experience with similar specialized proficiency testing supplies. Detail your capabilities regarding sample matrices, capacity requirements, distribution intervals, and reporting infrastructure. Emphasize how your solution avoids the technical deficiencies identified for other providers, such as infrequent testing schedules, compressed completion windows, or manual submission processes.
See the live bid — deadline, agency details, and how to respond
Dates and requirements can change via addenda; always verify on the bid page and at the original source before responding.
View this bid on BiddingSimpleThis guide was prepared by BiddingSimple from the solicitation’s public posting. It is not official guidance from Defense Health Agency (dha); the original posting controls.