This is a Sources Sought notice. This is NOT a solicitation for proposals, proposal abstracts, or quotations. Pursuant to 48 CFR Part 326, Subpart 326.603-3 and IHM 5.5-6, Indian Health Service must use the negotiation authority of the Buy Indian Act, 25 U.S.C. 47, to give preference to Indian Economic Enterprises (IEE) whenever the use of that authority is authorized and practicable.
The Government is seeking to identify Indian Small Business Economic Enterprises (ISBEEs), Indian Economic Enterprises (IEE), and any other category of vendor capable of performing the below Indian Health Services (IHS) requirement. Any vendor responding to this notice should submit their capability statement as well as the Buy Indian Act Indian Economic Enterprise Representation Form (attached).
Consistent with the revised Buy Indian Act, HHS/IHS adopted the definition of an Indian Economic Enterprise (IEE) set forth in 48 CFR 1480.201. This definition includes the following requirement, amongst others: “the Indians or Indian Tribes must, together, receive at least a majority of the earnings from the contract.”.
Instructions for submission are outlined further below.
DEFINITIONS
INDIAN ECONOMIC ENTERPRISE (IEE):
Any business activity owned by one or more Indians, Federally Recognized Indian Tribes, or Alaska Native Corporations provided that:
- The combined Indian, Federally Recognized Indian Tribe or Alaska Native Corporation ownership of the enterprise constitutes not less than 51%;
- The Indian, Federal Recognized Indian Tribes, or Alaska Native Corporations must, together, receive at least 51% of the earnings from the contract; and
- The management and daily business operations must be controlled by one or more individuals who are Indians.
DESCRIPTION OF REQUIREMENT
NAICS:
423460 – Ophthalmic Goods
Size Standard: 175 employees
SCOPE:
The LED slit lamp with tonometer shall provide precise diagnostic examinations, long-lasting performance with LED illumination, and enhance workflow efficiency. The LED illumination shall provide bright, clear visualization of the anterior and posterior segments of the eye and the Tonometer shall enable accurate intraocular pressure measurement (IOP). The device shall also facilitate qualitative and quantitative analysis of various parameters of the eye and offer convenient control and comfort, and be energy-efficient.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR GOOD(s):
LED Slit Lamp with Tonometer:
Specification Minimum Requirement Functionality/Purpose
1. Illumination High-intensity LED light Allows for bright, focused beams of light,
adjustable in width, height, and angle.
2. Magnification Various Magnifications Various settings for detailed visualization of ocular structures.
3. Filters Multiple Filters (e.g., blue, red-free, grey) To modify light and enhance specific
views of the eye.
4. Stereoscopic Viewing Three-Dimensional View Three-dimensional view of the eye's anterior
segment.
5. Adjustability Precise Positioning Allows for precise positioning and focusing of the slit lamp.
6. Tonometry a. Accuracy - measuring within normal range 10-21mmHg.
b. Calibration - within specifications to ensure accurate measurements.
c. Design - to prevent injury or infection.
d. Reliability - reliable and consistent in measurements.
e. Ease of Use - should be easy to use and operate, particularly for those with
limited experience
A procedure used to measure the pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure or IOP). This pressure is important to monitor, as elevated IOP can be a symptom of glaucoma, a condition that can lead to vision loss.
INSTRUCTIONS TO INDUSTRY
ISBEEs are highly encouraged to respond to this notice. However, firms must also understand that generic capability statements are not sufficient for effective evaluation of their capacity and capability to perform the work required. To be considered a capable source, responses must directly demonstrate the company’s capability, experience, and ability to provide services as shown below.
Your response must include but is not limited to the following:
- Number of years of experience in providing routine food service delivery and customizable menus to healthcare facilities
- List of past jobs/contracts of providing routine food service delivery and customizable menus to healthcare facilities
- Demonstrate how your company meets the definition for Indian Economic Enterprise (IEE) in consideration to this requirement.
- Demonstrate how your company will receive at least 51% of the earnings from the awarded contract.
- If identifying a partnership with a subcontractor that is a similarly situated entity, demonstrate how together with the subcontractor you will receive a combined 51% of the earnings from the contract.
- If identifying a partnership with a subcontractor that is NOT a similarly situated entity, demonstrate how you will receive 51% of the earnings from the contract.
- Demonstrate how the prime IEE, or together with the subcontractor, will conduct management and daily operations to be controlled by one or more individuals who are Indians.
Failure to address these items in your capability statement could exclude your firm from being determined a capable IEE/ISBEE source.
SUBMISSION
Interested parties capable of performing the required services may submit a response via email to: Shannon.Connelly@ihs.gov no later than 15 days from the date of the sources sought announcement.
Interested parties shall submit their capability response as instructed above and include a copy of the Buy Indian Act Indian Economic Enterprise Representation Form. It is recommended to include the sources sought ID in the subject line.
Sources Sought ID: SS-BFSU-25-070 Responses received to this notice will assist in determining the acquisition strategy of the requirement.
