# SAM #ACQ-IHS-2027-U-00044

On-Call Human-Remains Transportation for IHS White River Service Unit Autopsies

**Buyer:** IHS Phoenix Area Office
**Posted:** November 02, 2026
**Respond By:** November 09, 2026
**Identifier:** ACQ-IHS-2027-U-00044
**NAICS:** 812210

The Indian Health Service’s White River Service Unit is researching providers for on-call human-remains transportation related to autopsies.
- **Government buyer:** U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Indian Health Service (IHS), White River Service Unit.
- **Service requested:** Pick up remains within five hours of an authorized request, transport them directly to the designated medical examiner, and return them to the family-selected funeral home or mortuary within 24 hours after the autopsy and authorized release. Post-autopsy repair work is included as needed.
- **Requirements:** Drivers must hold valid Arizona licenses, and the provider must be legally authorized to transport human remains in Arizona. A licensed, certified mortician is preferred. Requests may come from authorized House Supervisors or Social Services workers.
- **Workload context:** 42 autopsies requiring transportation were reported as historical planning information; this is not a guaranteed future quantity.
- **Interested businesses:** The notice seeks information from Indian Small Business Economic Enterprises (ISBEEs), including a representation form and a capability statement describing relevant experience, authorizations, coverage, dispatch availability, personnel, vehicles, equipment, and repair capability. Pricing is not requested.
- **OEMs and vendors:** No manufacturers, vendors, or service providers are named. This is market research, not a solicitation or commitment to award.

### Description

<p>Purpose</p>

<p>The Indian Health Service (IHS), White River Service Unit, is conducting market research to identify Indian Small Business Economic Enterprises (ISBEEs) capable of providing transportation services for human remains.</p>

<p>This notice is for information and planning purposes only. It is not a solicitation or request for quotations or proposals. The Government is not obligated to issue a solicitation or award a contract and will not reimburse costs incurred in responding.</p>

<p>Description of Requirement</p>

<p>The contractor shall provide transportation of human remains for purposes of autopsy as requested by White River Service Unit physicians, subject to applicable authorization and release requirements. Services include:</p>

<ol>
	<li>
	<p>Accepting dispatch requests from authorized White River Service Unit House Supervisors or Social Services workers.</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p>Picking up human remains within five hours of notification and transporting them from the location of death directly to the designated medical examiner&rsquo;s office for autopsy.</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p>Transporting the remains, following completion of the autopsy and authorized release, to the funeral home or mortuary selected by the deceased&rsquo;s family within 24 hours of autopsy completion.</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p>Performing post-autopsy repair work as needed.</p>
	</li>
</ol>

<p>Drivers must hold valid driver&rsquo;s licenses authorizing them to drive in Arizona and must be legally employed by an entity authorized to transport human remains within Arizona. A licensed, certified mortician is preferred.</p>

<p>The Service Unit reported 42 autopsies requiring transportation in 2026. This historical workload is provided for planning purposes only and does not guarantee future volume.</p>

<p>Requested Information</p>

<p>Interested ISBEE vendors must submit both:</p>

<p>1. A completed IHS Indian Economic Enterprise Representation form.<br />
2. A capability statement containing:<br />
&nbsp; &nbsp;- Business name, address, point of contact, telephone number, and email address.<br />
&nbsp; &nbsp;- Unique Entity ID (UEI) and SAM.gov registration status.<br />
&nbsp; &nbsp;- A statement identifying the business as an Indian Small Business Economic Enterprise (ISBEE).<br />
&nbsp; &nbsp;- Relevant experience providing transportation of human remains.<br />
&nbsp; &nbsp;- Applicable business and personnel licenses or authorizations.<br />
&nbsp; &nbsp;- Ability to meet the five-hour pickup and 24-hour return requirements.<br />
&nbsp; &nbsp;- Geographic coverage, dispatch availability, personnel, vehicles, equipment, and capability to perform post-autopsy repair work.<br />
&nbsp; &nbsp;- Any anticipated subcontracting arrangements or limitations affecting performance.</p>

<p>Responses will assist IHS in assessing the availability and capabilities of ISBEE sources and determining the appropriate acquisition strategy. Pricing is not requested at this time.</p>

<p>Clearly identify any proprietary information included in the response.</p>

[View original listing](https://sam.gov/opp/6d86df2582a24406ae372e0ef5f52c0b/view)