DOJ BOP - National Laboratory Testing - MRAS

The Department of Justice (DOJ), through the General Services Administration (GSA), is conducting market research to identify potential contractors capable of providing comprehensive Reference Laboratory Services for the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP). The overarching goal of this initiative is to ensure that all 121 BOP facilities have access to high-quality laboratory testing services, which are crucial for maintaining the health and safety of both staff and inmates. This effort is part of a broader strategy to enhance healthcare services within federal correctional institutions by leveraging external expertise in laboratory testing.

The scope of work outlined in the solicitation includes a wide range of laboratory services. Contractors are expected to provide all necessary labor, supplies, equipment, maintenance, information technology, and supervision required to deliver these services effectively. Specifically, the contractor must handle specimen preparation and storage, ensuring that specimens are collected and preserved according to strict guidelines. This includes supplying government facilities with a commercial laboratory reference test manual and all materials needed for specimen collection.

In addition to specimen handling, contractors are responsible for transporting biomedical materials such as patient specimens and microbiology cultures from government facilities to commercial reference laboratories. These materials fall under Hazard Materials Class 6, Division 6.2 as defined in federal regulations. Therefore, transportation must be conducted in a manner that maintains both safety and specimen integrity throughout the process.

Furthermore, contractors will perform analytical testing on collected specimens and report results back to the respective BOP facilities. The provision of consultative services is also required when necessary. In cases involving medico-legal specimens, contractors must adhere to specific chain-of-custody procedures and may be called upon to provide court testimony related to their analyses at no additional cost to the government.