SAM #36C26226Q0888

Sole Source Non-Forensic Autopsy Services for Southern Arizona and Phoenix VA Health Care Systems

This notice announces the Department of Veterans Affairs' intent to award a sole source contract for non-forensic autopsy services in Southern Arizona and Phoenix. - Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs, Network Contracting Office 22 - Sole source provider: Banner University Medical Group - Services required: - Full non-forensic autopsies (CPT 88027) - Partial non-forensic autopsies (CPT 88036) - Specimen handling, transport (within 100-mile radius), and ancillary testing - Timely reporting of preliminary and final autopsy results - Specimen tracking and safety compliance - Accreditation and compliance requirements: - CLIA and Joint Commission accreditation - Board-certified pathologists - HIPAA and VA confidentiality standards - Banner University Medical Group is identified as the only regional provider - Period of performance: - Base year starting September 6, 2026 - Up to four option years - Services to be performed within two working days of receipt of body - Commercial opportunity is limited due to sole source designation, but similar providers may be considered if regional exclusivity changes

Description

NOTICE OF INTENT TO SOLE SOURCE The Department of Veterans Affairs, Network Contracting Office (NCO) 22, located at 4811 Airport Plaza Drive, Long Beach, CA 90815, is issuing this Notice of Intent (NOI) to inform industry contractors of the Government's intent to execute a Sole Source Award under FAR Part 12 — Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP). The intended Contractor is Banner University Medical Group, 2701 E Elvira Rd, Tucson, AZ 85756. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Southern Arizona VA Health Care System (SAVAHCS), and Phoenix VA Health Care System (PHXVAHCS) require non-personal health care services for non-forensic autopsy services. The period of performance will begin on 09/06/2026 and will consist of a base year, followed by up to four (4) option years, to be exercised at the government's discretion. Background Information: This contract is for the provision of non-forensic autopsy services and applicable ancillary testing for deceased SAVAHCS and PHXVAHCS patients as requested and/or required by family members and/or SAVAHCS/PHXVAHCS providers or pathologists. Scope: This service is for non-forensic autopsies only, including full, non-forensic CPT 88027 and partial, non-forensic CPT 88036. When an autopsy is requested and/or required, SAVAHCS / PHXVAHCS will arrange for transport of the deceased to the Contractor's facility for performance of this service and transport of the remains to the funeral home designated by the family within a 100-mile radius of Tucson/Phoenix, AZ. The service will be performed within two (2) working days of receipt of the body by a licensed and privileged practitioner. Additional Procedures: This SOP outlines the notification and receipt process of Veteran control brain, spinal cord, CSF specimens obtained through the Department of Pathology, Banner University Medical Center-Tucson/University of Arizona. It includes contact and other necessary information to ensure constant tracking of the specimens from removal to arrival at SACTL-VAB. Responsibilities: The supervisor in charge will ensure personnel are properly trained and follow this SOP. Any issues will be reported immediately. The Technical Supervisor or designee is responsible for providing a current copy of this document. Safety and Cautionary Notes: Any delay in notification or receipt of brain specimen can diminish the integrity of the specimen. Because the subject's history is most likely unknown, universal precautions are required when handling CNS tissue. Refer to SOP SP-001, SOP RD-010, and SOP SP-005 for safety procedures. Procedures: BUMC-T Morgue will call several hours in advance regarding the autopsy schedule. Verification of NOK authorization is required. SACTL-VAB personnel will be notified and will initiate the Notification of Pending Brain Arrival form. Preparation for gross examination begins upon notification of estimated arrival time. Approximately 30 minutes prior to readiness, BUMC-T Morgue will call VAB staff. VAB staff will request a vehicle for specimen pickup from Tucson Vehicle Reservations. Specimens are packaged in 50mL tubes, double-bagged, sealed, and placed in Styrofoam containers with ice or cold packs. VAB provides shipping materials. VAB staff will collect the Time Interval Sheet upon pickup or via fax. Specimens are stored immediately upon arrival. Same-day notification of body refrigeration and transport to BUMC-T is required. Records: Notification and Time Interval Sheets are stored under the specimen code in a secured binder and folder system. Appendices: Notification of Pending Brain Arrival Form Time Interval Record Sheet Reference Documents: SOP SP-001, Universal Precautions SOP RD-010, Grossing of CNS Specimens SOP SP-005, Grossing Area Safety and Disinfection SOP RD-011, Diagnostic Specimens and Preliminary Neuropathology Reports Authorized Users: A list of authorized individuals, including SAVAHCS / PHXVAHCS Pathologists, Histology Technicians, and Laboratory Managers, will be provided to the Contractor. Performance Monitoring: The contractor shall be CLIA and TJC accredited, with personnel holding valid state medical licenses and board certification. Autopsy reports will be confirmed and monitored through QA processes. Reports are to be faxed within two (2) working days, with 50% within thirty (30) days and 100% within sixty (60) days. Appendix A - Special Contract Requirements Details include service provisions, qualifications, medical records confidentiality, HIPAA compliance, Business Associate Agreement, industry classification, and other contractual obligations. Additional Information: This notice is neither a solicitation nor a request for proposals. No solicitation document is available. Responses should be sent via email to Joanne Woo at Joanne.Woo@va.gov by 10:00 AM PST on July 21, 2026, referencing RFI 36C26226Q0888 Non-Forensic Autopsy. Respondents, including SDVOSB/VOSB, should provide proof of certification and acknowledge limitations on sub-contracting. The submission must include company details, business size, and contract information. Any questions or concerns should be addressed in writing to Joanne Woo. The government reserves the right to determine whether to conduct a competitive procurement based on the responses received.

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