How to bid on CLIA-approved proficiency testing for VA labs in Texas

What the VA is buying and why it matters

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) intends to award a sole-source contract for CLIA-approved proficiency testing and linearity materials. This program is essential for VA facilities in Dallas, Bonham, and Fort Worth, Texas, to maintain accreditation and ensure the reliability of patient testing.

The contract covers a wide range of laboratory services, including chemistry, immunology, microbiology, cytology, urinalysis, and viral loads, along with necessary calibration and competency checks. This is a critical requirement for all VHA Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service laboratories.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

This notice was published on September 09, 2026. The deadline for any responses or inquiries is September 18, 2026, at 1:00 PM ET. This is a notice of intent to award a sole-source contract, meaning the VA plans to award it to a specific vendor.

If you believe you can provide these services and materials, you must submit your capabilities statement by the deadline. The performance period for the contract is January 1, 2027, through December 31, 2027.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is specifically for vendors who are on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) list of CLIA-approved proficiency testing providers. The provider must be capable of supplying comprehensive proficiency testing and linearity materials for various laboratory specialties, including Anatomic Pathology, Microbiology, Diagnostic and General Immunology, and Routine and Special Chemistry.

The vendor must be able to provide materials for specific instruments used at the VA facilities, such as Beckman DxC 700 AU, Beckman DxI 9000 Access, Beckman Coulter AU 5822, TOSOH A1c G8, and Abbott Alinity I. The scope includes general chemistry, therapeutic drug, urine chemistry, ammonia, serum ethanol, molecular diagnostics (HBV, HCV, HIV Viral Loads), and Hemoglobin A1C linearity materials, as well as interlaboratory comparison non-GYN cytology PT surveys, laboratory preparedness checks for microbiology, and eluate competency assessments for transfusion medicine.

How to respond

To view the original source of this opportunity, 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 a free account on the portal to access all documents, though this is not always required.

Tips for preparing a competitive response

Even for a sole-source notice, it is important to submit a thorough capabilities statement if you believe your firm can meet the requirements. Clearly demonstrate that your company is on the CMS list of CLIA-approved proficiency testing providers for all specified specialties.

Detail your experience and capacity to provide all the required proficiency testing and linearity materials for the specific instruments and analytes mentioned. Highlight your ability to meet the delivery schedule and support multiple VA locations in Texas. Ensure your response directly addresses every item in the scope of work to show a complete understanding of the VA's needs.