The Navajo Area Indian Health Service (IHS), Chinle Comprehensive Health Care Facility, has issued a special notice announcing its intent to award a noncompetitive sole-source purchase order to Cepheid for a microbiology analyzer and reagent supplies. The federal notice identifier is IHS1529039.
The requirement supports rapid molecular microbiology testing at Chinle Comprehensive Health Care Facility and is intended to avoid interruption of laboratory services that could affect direct patient care. The contemplated contract includes one one-year base period plus four one-year option periods, with reagent supplies ordered as needed.
Response Deadline
The notice states that if no affirmative written response is received by September 17, 2026 at 5:00 PM Mountain Standard Time, the Government may proceed without further notice. This is a notice of intent to award a sole-source contract, not a request for competitive proposals. Responses must provide clear and convincing evidence that competition would be advantageous to the Government.
Procurement Basis
IHS identifies Cepheid as uniquely qualified to provide the required analyzer, reagents, and related support. The notice follows an earlier Sources Sought period from April 7 through April 21, 2026 that received no vendor responses. The procurement is classified under NAICS 325413, In-Vitro Diagnostic Substance Manufacturing, and PSC 6640, Laboratory Equipment and Supplies.
Atlas Review
This is a diagnostics and infectious-disease testing continuity procurement. Any alternate-source response would need to overcome the Government’s stated sole-source rationale and demonstrate the ability to provide the required analyzer, compatible reagents, and support without disrupting patient-care testing.