COVID-19 Statewide Contract Resources for Antigen Test Kits

The Commonwealth is soliciting bids for COVID-19 at-home rapid antigen test kits directly from manufacturers through the newly established HSP41 Category 10 Statewide Contract (SWC). According to the bid solicitation, all test kits offered through this contract must have an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and be approved for non-prescription, at-home use. 

As of this week, four manufacturers have been added to this new SWC category: Becton, Dickinson and Company; Ellume USA LLC; iHealth Labs, Inc.; and Pure Blue Medical, Inc. DBA Intrivo Diagnostics, Inc.

Additional manufacturers are expected to be added to this contract category through the bid posting/rolling enrollment period, which closes in March 2022. Based on manufacturer requirements, including minimum order requirements, this option may not work for all buyers.

Click here to access the Contract User Guide.

Use the links below to begin the ordering process for each contract:

• Becton, Dickinson and Company
• Ellume USA LLC
• iHealth Labs, Inc.
• InBios International Inc. 
• Pure Blue Medical, Inc. DBA Intrivo Diagnostics
• Quidel Corporation

To help meet immediate needs, there are distributors on existing Statewide Contracts that offer COVID-19 at-home rapid antigen test kits. Combined, these contracts feature multiple vendors/distributors who are ready to serve your needs:

HSP40 – Medical Commodities, Direct purchase from one distributor/vendor:

• McKesson Medical-Surgical Government Solutions, LLC (MMSGS)

HSP41 – Laboratory Supplies & Equipment, Category 3, Clinical Diagnostics Products & Supplies, Direct purchase from two distributors/vendors:

• Trans Med USA, Inc.
• VWR Scientific
• Westnet, Inc.

HLS06 – Homeland Security and Public Safety, Direct purchase from two distributors/vendors:

• Merrow Manufacturing, LLC
• Safeware, Inc.

These contracts make test kits available to buyers via distributors. Further details about how to take advantage of these contracts are below.

Click here to view the Resource Guide for manufacturer and distributor contact information, test name, pricing, and availability.

Other resources and information are available on the OSD pages on mass.gov

OSD has received inquiries about items needed by communities to establish temporary outdoor facilities to distribute COVID-19 at-home rapid antigen test kits. Related items are available for purchase and rental through OSD’s Statewide Contracts.

• Purchases
  • Tents and Traffic Cones: HLS06
  • Generators: FAC100, FAC101, FAC105
• Rentals
  • Tents, Chairs, Tables, Generators, Heating Units, Light Towers, Portable Potties, among many items: FAC112
  • Fences: FAC93

Link to our Items for Outdoor COVID Testing Guide for more information.

Please know OSD is in continuous contact with the contracted manufacturers and SWC vendors regarding inventory and delivery status and we will remain in contact with our buyers, to keep buyers appraised of developments and updates to assist in obtaining the needed materials. We thank you for your patience.

To assist buyers in acquiring COVID-19 at-home rapid antigen test kits, OSD recommends the following actions:

1. Use the process outlined in the Contract User Guide for each contract, submit your pricing request or Request for Quotes (RFQ). Each contract has specific instructions for ordering goods.
2. Request price quotes/place orders in accordance with your normal procurement process: for Executive Departments and COMMBUYS-Enabled Entities, use COMMBUYS. For Non-COMMBUYS users, contact the SWC vendor directly.
3. Specify that the Tests requested must have an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and be approved for non-prescription, at-home use.
4. Contact multiple manufacturers and vendors to obtain price quotes. The demand for Rapid Antigen Test Kits is high and inventories are changing rapidly.
5. Review all price quotes and place an order with the vendor(s) who meet your due diligence requirements based on product availability, cost, and need.
6. Be sure to order now for the items needed today and in the near future.
7. Be certain to cancel orders if your needs change.
8. Entities eligible to purchase and procure goods and services from OSD’s Statewide Contracts (not Executive Departments) are reminded to conduct procurements in accordance with all laws and regulations that pertain to that entity (Chapter 30B for municipal organizations, as an example). Check with your local legal counsel for advice.

Who is eligible to order:

• Cities, towns, districts, counties, and other political subdivisions
• Executive, Legislative, and Judicial Branches, including all departments and elected offices therein
• Independent public authorities, commissions, and quasi-public agencies
• Local public libraries, public school districts, private schools, charter schools, and early childhood centers
• Public hospitals and other health care facilities owned by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
• Public and private institutions of higher education
• Public purchasing cooperatives
• Non-profits in either of the below categories, if they are registered with OSD as listed here: 
  - Non-profit human and social service providers under contract with the Commonwealth; and
  - Other non-profit organizations receiving public funding from state, federal, or local governments in the form of appropriated funds, grants, or contracts.
• Other states and territories with no prior approval by the State Purchasing Agent
• Other entities when designated in writing by the State Purchasing Agent (individual cities and towns or school districts in other states where the entire state is not authorized to purchase)

Questions? Please contact the OSD Help Desk at osdhelpdesk@mass.gov or at 1-888-627-8283.

Best Practices for Ordering COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test Kits

In early January, OSD hosted two webinars for buyers to learn “Best Practices for Ordering COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test Kits through Statewide Contracts.” Nearly 700 people attended the webinars, which generated several questions from the audience and these questions were incorporated in the FAQs. Buyers who were not able to attend the webinar, may access the webinar recording and/or slides to learn more.

Check back here regularly for the latest information to frequently asked questions.