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Indian Health Service (IHS), Phoenix Area Office is conducting this Sources Sought to identify contractors who could provide: service and support of instrument interface solutions that allows for the communication of clinical laboratory instruments to the Indian Health Service (IHS) Resource and Patient Management System (RPMS). This instrument interface translates RPMS data via an HL7 interface to allow laboratory test orders placed in RPMS/EHR to transmit to the laboratory instruments and once the tests are completed, to send results back to the patient’s electronic health record that the medical staff use for direct patient care. The contractor must be able to interface with our existing HL7 interface and to provide programming service should they be needed to interface with RPMS. The contractor must provide instrument interface solution that is capable of using HL7 protocol and capable of supporting both serial and TCP/IP protocols. In addition, the instrument interface solution must be capable of supporting industry standard protocols such as HL7, ASTM, XML, CSV and CDF protocols. In addition, it is critical that the equipment, software and service be supplied from one vendor so as to standardize and manage the installation throughout the PIMC Laboratory Department. It is the contractor’s responsibility to ensure that the equipment, hardware, software and services communicate properly. The Contractor shall demonstrate that the entire system works as designed and be able to provide proof of successful prior go-live implementations. The Contractor shall have expert knowledge of software middleware systems in order to perform all phases of planning, upgrading and installing the new middleware system & equipment. The contractor shall adhere to the IHS Standard Software Policy and IHS Security Policy. It will be used throughout the Phoenix Area Office for the Phoenix Indian Medical Center, White River Service Unit, Hopi Health Care Center, Fort Yuma Indian Hospital, Colorado River Service Unit, Fort Duchesne and Elko -Southern Bands Dental Office Service Units. This will be for Indian Health Services at the various service locations for one (1) year periods for each location. Currently usage of Data Innovations- Middleware.

Under NAICS code 513210: Software Publishers: This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in computer software publishing or publishing and reproduction. Establishments in this industry carry out operations necessary for producing and distributing computer software, such as designing, providing documentation, assisting in installation, and providing support services to software purchasers. These establishments may design, develop, and publish, or publish only. These establishments may publish and distribute software remotely through subscriptions and downloads.

This is not a Request for Proposal (RFP). Indian Health Service is utilizing this tool as part of market research. Your responses will assist IHS in the development of its possible RFQ/RFP and in determining whether any type of small business set-aside is possible for this procurement or whether full and open competitive procedures should be utilized. Please respond identifying all of your socio-economic status in accordance with SBA size standard. Reference: Final Rule on Buy Indian Act. 100% Set aside for ISBEE (Indian Small Business Economic Enterprise)

Vendor/Contractor – Must provide proof of Native American owned company to qualify for this Sources Sought.

Vendor/Contractor – Must be able to accept payments via IPP (Invoice Processing Platform) – The contractor may submit a request for an exception. See below for IPP, IPP helpdesk information and applicable Health and Human Services addendum clause.

INVOICING PROCESSING PLATFORM (IPP)

In compliance with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) M-15-19 memorandum “Improving Government Efficiency and Saving Taxpayer Dollars through Electronic Invoicing” directing Federal agencies to adopt electronic invoicing as the primary means to disburse payment to vendors. Invoices submitted under any award resulting from this solicitation will be required to utilize the Invoice Processing Platform (IPP) in accordance with HHSAR 352.232-71, Electronic Submission and Processing of Payment Requests”

IPP is a secure, web-based electronic invoicing system provided by the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Bureau of the Fiscal Service, in partnership with the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis (FRSTL). Respondents to this solicitation are encouraged to register an account with IPP if they have not already done so. If your

organization is already registered to use IPP, you will not be required to re-register- however, we encourage you make sure your organization and designated IPP user accounts are valid and up to date.

The IPP website address is: https://www.ipp.gov

If you require assistance registering or IPP account access, please contact the IPP Helpdesk at (866) 973-3131 (M-F 8AM to 6PM ET), or IPPCustomerSupport@fiscal.treasury.gov

Note: Should an Offeror feel that use of the IPP would be unduly burdensome, the response to this solicitation should include an explanation of this position for a determination by the contracting officer.

HHSAR 352.232-71 Electronic Submission of Invoice Payment Requests (Feb 2022) will apply when this requirement is solicited and awarded. As stated:

1. Definitions. As used in this clause— Payment request means a bill, voucher, invoice, or request for contract financing payment with associated supporting documentation. The payment request must comply with the requirements identified in FAR 32.905(b), “Content of Invoices” and the applicable Payment clause included in this contract.


2. Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this clause, the Contractor shall submit payment requests electronically using the Department of Treasury Invoice Processing Platform (IPP) or successor system. Information regarding IPP, including IPP Customer Support contact information, is available at www.ipp.gov or any successor site.


3. The Contractor may submit payment requests using other than IPP only when the Contracting Officer authorizes alternate procedures in writing in accordance with HHS procedures.


4. If alternate payment procedures are authorized, the Contractor shall include a copy of the Contracting Officer's written authorization with each payment request.

(END OF CLAUSE)

The subcontracting limitations are outlined in FAR 52.219-3, 52.219-14, 52.219-27, 52.219-29, and/or 52.219-30, as appropriate.

Please send your response to Michele Lodge at Michele.Lodge@ihs.gov, subject title “Instrument Interface Solutions” under SS-23-PHX-008 no later than 10:00 AM Eastern on 11 March 2023.

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