6640--NEW - STVHCS CPT Microbial Identification and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing Systems

Amendment No. [1] to Solicitation No. [36C25725Q0789] Department of Veterans Affairs South Texas Veterans Health Care System SUBJECT: Extension of Solicitation Closing Date and Clarification of Requirements The purpose of this amendment is to: Extend the solicitation closing date and time. Incorporate Questions and Answers for clarification of the requirement. Remove local stock numbers from schedule. 1. Solicitation Closing Date Extension The closing date and time for receipt of offers is hereby extended from August 15, 2025, to August 21, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. Central Daylight Time (CDT). All offers must be received by the new closing date and time to be considered. 2. Questions and Answers Question 1: The Statement of Work references the need for a backup analyzer. Does the laboratory require two identical microbial identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing (ID/AST) systems to be provided? The requirement includes both a mass spectrometry-based microbial identification system and an automated broth microdilution susceptibility testing system. Answer 1: The automated broth microdilution susceptibility testing system will serve as the backup identification method for the mass spectrometry-based identification system. The broth microdilution system will also serve as the primary platform for antimicrobial susceptibility testing. There is no requirement for two identical identification or susceptibility systems. The intent is to have both technologies available in combination, with each capable of supporting identification functions if the other is unavailable. Question 2: What is the maximum daily volume of antimicrobial susceptibility (AST) tests performed by the laboratory? Answer 2: The average daily AST workload is approximately 16 tests, although the number varies throughout the year. On some days, peak daily volumes may be higher depending on patient load and seasonal variations. 3. Local stock numbers are removed from schedule. This amendment is issued to all interested parties and will be posted at designated posting site/SAM.gov. All other terms and conditions of the solicitation remain unchanged.