Histology Evaluation Services

2026-11-03

Pursuant to the State Purchasing Act ( Official Code of Georgia Annotated §§ 50 - 5 - 50 et seq .), this electronic Request for Quotes (“ eRFQ ”) is being issued to establish a contract with one or more qualified suppliers who will provide Histology Services to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation ( hereinafter , “ the State Entity ”) as further described in this eRFQ . These specifications are to receive bids from vendors for a contract to prepare tissue for histological evaluation from autopsy cases performed at the Medical Examiner Office ( MEO ) of the Division of Forensic Sciences , Georgia Bureau of Investigation . Vendors must address all of the minimum specifications and conditions listed below in order to be awarded this contract . For each Specification , the vendor must respond providing an affirmative response and any requested materials to be considered for the contract award . SPECIFICATONS VENDOR ’ S RESPONSE PREPARATION OF CASSETTES ( MEO ): The tissue submitted for histologic preparation will be appropriately sectioned by the pathologist and placed into a properly labeled histology cassette . The MEO will provide the histology cassettes . Each cassette will be properly labeled with DOFS case number , doctor ’ s name , and cassette number A separate histology inventory sheet will accompany each case detailing individual cassette contents , and if appropriate , special instructions ( i . e . edge , iron stain , decal , etc .). CONTAINERS & FORMALIN ( MEO ): The properly labeled cassettes will be placed in a plastic bag that will be filled with 10 % buffered formalin and heat - sealed ( no leakage ). The bag will be placed in a second bag , heat - sealed , properly labeled , and initialed . The plastic bags and the formalin will be provided by the MEO . PACKAGING & SHIPMENT ( MEO ): The MEO will properly package and ship or deliver a box of specimens once a week to the Contractor . The MEO will assume any charges for shipment of the box of specimens . A log will be maintained within the MEO . BAGS AND FORMALIN [ CONTRACTOR ]: When the cassettes are removed from the bags , the Contractor will properly dispose of the formalin and bags . PARAFFIN BLOCKS [ CONTRACTOR ]: The Contractor will process the tissue via standard techniques and prepare a paraffin - embedded tissue block for each cassette . The paraffin blocks will be packaged in an orderly and retrievable fashion in appropriate storage boxes ( provided by the Contractor ) and return to the MEO with the slides . The cost for shipment of paraffin blocks back to the MEO , if any , will be assumed by the Contractor . The paraffin blocks will be appropriately stored at the MEO under suitable temperature ( 78 degrees F or less ) and moisture control to ensure their integrity . If additional slides or special requests are requested by the MEO , the MEO will retrieve the appropriate block and arrange for its shipment to the Contractor with detailed instructions . PREPARATION & STAINING OF SLIDES [ CONTRACTOR ]: Each paraffin - embedded tissue block is to be sectioned using standard accepted techniques and a slide prepared . Preparation of skin punch biopsies would require proper embedding . Sections submitted for decalcification would be properly processed to furnish an adequate section . A single Hematoxylin & Eosin stained glass slide will be produced from each block . Additional slides will be prepared upon request / instruction . Each slide will be properly covered , and clearly labeled with the GBI case number and block number . The glass slides , cover slips , and labels are to be provided by the Contractor . All the equipment , supplies , chemicals , and transportation for the preparation of Histology sections are to be provided by the Contractor .

Georgia

2026-05-10