How to bid on hematology analyzers for the Great Plains Area Indian Health Service

What the agency is buying and why it matters

The Great Plains Area Indian Health Service (GPA IHS) is seeking a contractor to provide new hematology analyzers and all associated equipment, reagents, consumables, installation, validation, training, maintenance, warranty, software, and support. This is for facilities located across South Dakota and North Dakota.

This opportunity is structured as a Firm-Fixed-Price, Indefinite-Delivery/Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ) contract, using a Cost-Per-Reportable-Result (CPRR) pricing model. The contract includes one base year and four one-year option periods, with an estimated ceiling of less than $2 million and a minimum guarantee of $1,000. This is a 100% small-business set-aside.

Key dates and deadlines

The solicitation was published on August 31, 2026. Questions regarding the solicitation are due by September 4, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Central Time. The final deadline for submitting your quotation is September 18, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

After award, the contractor must complete equipment installation within ten calendar days and validation within thirty days. Onsite user training must be conducted during installation.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is a 100% small-business set-aside, making it suitable for small businesses specializing in analytical laboratory instrument manufacturing. The NAICS code for this solicitation is 334516, with a small business size standard of 1,000 employees.

Firms with experience in providing and maintaining medical laboratory equipment, particularly hematology analyzers, and those capable of offering comprehensive support including installation, training, and ongoing maintenance, will find this a good fit. Experience with a cost-per-reportable-result model is also relevant.

How to respond to this solicitation

To access the full solicitation details and prepare your response, you will need to view the original source on the portal. Click the 'View original source' link. If the first click takes you to the portal's homepage, click it again to go directly to the bid.

You may need to create a free account on the portal to view all associated documents, though for some bids, this is not required. The agency intends to evaluate proposals and award a contract without discussions, so ensure your quotation is complete and competitive from the outset.

Tips for preparing a competitive response

Carefully review the Performance Work Statement (PWS) and Appendix B for all specific requirements, including salient characteristics and facility-specific system needs. Your quotation must demonstrate full compliance with these technical requirements to be considered acceptable.

Since pricing is based on a firm-fixed Cost-Per-Reportable-Result (CPRR) model, ensure your proposed CPRR includes all equipment, reagents, controls, consumables, maintenance, repairs, training, software, and interface support. No additional charges will be permitted. Clearly articulate how your CPRR covers all these elements.

Highlight your ability to meet the strict delivery and installation timelines, including installation within ten days and validation within thirty days of award. Emphasize your warranty and maintenance offerings, such as the twelve-month full warranty, 24/7 technical support, and specified onsite service response times for both hospitals and clinics.