Sources Sought - WRSU - Transportation of Human Remains

Purpose

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.

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.

Description of Requirement

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:

1. Accepting dispatch requests from authorized White River Service Unit House Supervisors or Social Services workers.

2. Picking up human remains within five hours of notification and transporting them from the location of death directly to the designated medical examiner’s office for autopsy.

3. Transporting the remains, following completion of the autopsy and authorized release, to the funeral home or mortuary selected by the deceased’s family within 24 hours of autopsy completion.

4. Performing post-autopsy repair work as needed.

Drivers must hold valid driver’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.

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.

Requested Information

Interested ISBEE vendors must submit both:

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

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.

Clearly identify any proprietary information included in the response.