Notice of Intent to Sole Source - Cepheid Test Kits - Ute Mountain Ute Health Center

The Albuquerque Area Indian Health Service for Ute Mountain Ute Service Unit (UMUSU) hereby submits a Notice of Intent to award a sole source, firm-fixed price contract for Cepheid Test Kits to be delivered to Ute Mountain Ute Health Center (UMUHC) located in Towaoc, CO on an as-needed basis, to be awarded to Cepheid, UEI: W6HQTMWB9Q28.

This request is for Cepheid Xpert Xpress CoV-2/Flu/RSV plus assay (XPRS4PLEX-10), used for rapid molecular detection and differentiation of SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A, Influenza B, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Cepheid provides the only test kits compatible with the GeneXpert Xpress testing platform system, which is currently utilized at UMUHC. Cepheid is currently the sole manufacturer of Xpert® reagents, and GeneXpert® systems are manufactured exclusively for Cepheid.

Xpert reagent test cartridges are designed and manufactured to only be used with Cepheid’s instruments. Cepheid is currently the only authorized provider of service for GeneXpert systems to customers within the United States, excluding territories. The estimated total contract value is above the simplified acquisition threshold.

The sole source contracting action is pursuing a waiver from placing an order on a competitive basis pursuant to FAR 6.103-1 – Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements - and is based on market research. Responses to this notice must demonstrate clear and convincing evidence that competition would be advantageous to the Government, would not be cost or time prohibitive, and would not hinder the mission objective of agency.

The determination not to compete the proposed action is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received normally will be considered for the purposes of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. The Government shall not be responsible for any costs incurred for responding to this notice. This is not a request for quotes or proposals.

Questions or comments to this Notice of Intent should be directed to Supervisory Contract Specialist, Shandiin DeWolfe, via email: Shandiin.DeWolfe@ihs.gov by Wednesday, September 9th, 2026 by or before 5:00pm MDT. Please include “Cepheid Test Kits – UMUHC” in the subject line of the email. Thank you!