VA No. Calif Health Care System, 2300 Contra Costa Blvd, Ste 440, Pleasant Hill CA 94523

Q -- COST PER TEST, GLYCOSYLATED HEMOGLOBIN ASSAY SOL 612-37-96 DUE 061496 POC Joe Saqueton (510) 372-2264 The VA Northern California Health Care System intends to negotiate a sole source contract with Bio-Rad Laboratories, Hercules, CA for glycosylated hemoglobin (HPLC method) assays/reagents using brand name: Bio-Rad Variant Analyzer, Model No. 270-0001'' or equal, which shall include a fully automated test system that meets or exceeds the specification of the American Diabetes Assn., standards of CAP and JCAHO, and will process unattended approximately 100 samples in an 8-hour interval, 850 samples per month. The minimum essential physical, functional, salient characteristics ( per New England Journal of Medicine 10/10/90) are: (1) Inter/intra-assay Coefficient of Variation (CV) shall be less than 5%. (2) Narrow reference interval (non-diabetic range 2% or less). (3) Allow specific quantitation of Hemoglobin A1c. (4) Remove labile Intermediate of Hemoglobin A1c before assay. (5) Detect hemoglobinopathies if present. (6) No reference from lipemia. (7) Reagent/kits can be stored at room temperature. Solicitation will be issued on or about 6/21/96. Bio-Rad is the only known firm capable of meeting the above requirements. Hemoglobin A1c is the only known assay offering a reproducible index of Mean Blood Glucose (MBG). If determined in the Government's best interest, a contract for a base period and two one year renewal options may be awarded. Interested firms capable of providing the services identified above must submit a request by mail or by fax at (510) 372-2044 to the attention of the Contracting Officer no later than COB 6/14/96. Telephone requests will not be accepted. See Note(s): 23. (0145)

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