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INTRODUCTION

The Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) is conducting a Request for Information (RFI) in accordance with FAR 15.201 (e) to conduct market research. This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes and does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) or a promise to issue an RFP in the future. This request for information does not commit the Government to contract for any supply or service whatsoever. Further, the Bureau of Prisons is not, at this time, seeking proposals and will not accept unsolicited proposals. Responders are advised that the U.S. Government will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred in response to this RFI; all costs associated with responding to this RFI will be solely at the interested vendor's expense. Not responding to this RFI does not preclude participation in any future RFP, if any is issued.

BACKGROUND

The BOP is seeking information from pathology groups relating to Laboratory Directorship (LD) as defined by Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) and College of American Pathologists (CAP) for oversight of six moderately/highly complex internal agency clinical laboratories. There are two BOP designated categories of laboratories: 1) Medical Referral Laboratory (MRL); 2) Medical Referral Center (MRC). There are three of each category located in different locations throughout the United States. Neither category provides oversight of waived testing within their facility.

MRLs provide the majority of laboratory services for the BOP. Along with performing laboratory testing as a MRL for approximately 80 collection-only institutions, each also, perform the majority of testing for patients housed at their facility. Laboratory services provided at each location include the following departments: hematology, chemistry, urinalysis, immunology, coagulation, and transfusion services. Testing not performed at the MRL’s are processed and shipped to a nationally contracted laboratory. The annual volume for each MRL is approximately 2 million tests. Below are the names and locations of each facility.

· MCFP Springfield (Springfield, Missouri)

· FMC Butner (Butner, North Carolina)

· FMC Rochester (Rochester, Minnesota)

MRCs perform basic testing for patients housed at their facility from the following departments: hematology, chemistry, urinalysis, immunology, and also provide transfusion services. The remaining specimens are processed and shipped to a MRL or to a nationally contracted laboratory. The annual volume for each is around 5,000 – 10,000 tests. Below are the names and locations of each facility.

· FMC Devens (Ayer, Massachucetts)

· FMC Lexington (Lexington, Kentucky)

· FMC Carswell (Ft Worth, Texas)

Scope

On-Site/Virtual Oversight Visits: LD will conduct all visits in a manner that meets requirements as stated by the applicable laboratory accrediting body. The purpose of these visits will include, but is not limited to the following duties and responsibilities:

• Review and approve policy and procedure manuals as indicated

• Oversight of the laboratory’s Quality Management Plan

• Review proficiency testing

• Coordinate resolution of laboratory based problems

• Review of abnormal blood smears

• Oversee CAP or other accrediting agency inspections as indicated

• Review and approve interim self-inspection performed as indicated

• Review any potential problem areas within the laboratory and ensure proper corrective action

• Conduct continuing education sessions

Inmate Management

Provisions of services will not require frequent or unsupervised contact with inmates. The contractor will not be responsible for the management of inmates.

DESCRIPTION OF INFORMATION REQUESTED

Please answer the following questions and explain how your company could meet the BOP’s requirements for laboratory directorship.

1. Will the organization provide LD for all six BOP laboratories without contracting a third party?

2. What is the organization’s current staffing complement of CLIA/CAP qualified LD?

3. Would providing LD require the BOP to send the organization specific testing (e.g. pathology) If yes: Does the organization have laboratory information system interface capabilities? Possess a system for shipping laboratory specimens nationwide? Have the ability to perform a majority of the testing without the use of a 3rd party?

4. List the laboratory accrediting body organization experience of current LD staffing complement.

5. Will the organization submit to BOP security requirements, which includes background checks for all contracted employees?

6. Does the organization have any experience working in a correctional environment?

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