Description This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial products and commercial services prepared in accordance with the format in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) subpart 12.6, Streamlined Procedures for Evaluation and Solicitation for Commercial Products and Commercial Services, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotes are being requested, and a written solicitation document will not be issued. This solicitation is issued as an RFQ. The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2025-05. This solicitation is not set-aside and allows for Full and Open competition. The associated North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) code for this procurement is 334516 - Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing, with a small business size standard of 1,000 employees. The FSC/PSC is 6640 - Laboratory Equipment and Supplies. The Network Contracting Office 2, 130 W. Kingsbridge Road, Building 16, Bronx, NY 10468 is seeking to purchase Histology Special Stainer Testing for the Buffalo VA Medical Center. The per test price shall include costs covering equipment use, all reagents, standards, controls, supplies, consumable/disposable items, parts, accessories and any other item required for the proper operation of the contractor s equipment and necessary for the generation and reporting of a test result, all necessary maintenance to keep the equipment in good operating condition (This element includes both preventive maintenance and emergency repairs) and training for Government personnel. Contractors are required to provide delivery, installation and removal of equipment at no additional charge. The Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity contract period of performance of the awarded contract shall run from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2030. Base Period: October 1, 2025 September 30, 2026 Option Year 1: October 1, 2026 September 30, 2027 Option Year 2: October 1, 2027 September 30, 2028 Option Year 3: October 1, 2028 September 30, 2029 Option Year 4: October 1, 2029 September 30, 2030 For unit pricing purposes only, the Contractor s proposal shall consider the following annual need estimate of 1,035 special stainer tests each year for the Buffalo Laboratory. This is an annual estimate of the required special stainer tests for the Buffalo Laboratory. This annual estimated testing number is not a required minimum purchase. The Government is not obligated to purchase any minimum quantity of any items against the awarded Contract. The Guaranteed Minimum dollar amount to be executed between October 1, 2025 and September 30, 2026 is $30,000.00. All interested companies shall provide quotations for the following: Supplies/Services Line Item Description Quantity Unit of Measure Unit Price Total Price 0001 Base Year: Special Stainer Testing Cost Per Test 1,035 EA 1001 Option Year 1: Special Stainer Testing Cost Per Test 1,035 EA 2001 Option Year 2: Special Stainer Testing Cost Per Test 1,035 EA 3001 Option Year 3: Special Stainer Testing Cost Per Test 1,035 EA 4001 Option Year 4: Special Stainer Testing Cost Per Test 1,035 EA ______________________________________________________________________ Statement of Work Histology Special Stains Buffalo VA Medical Center Cost Per Test 1.1. SCOPE OF PROCUREMENT: 1.1.1. Histopathology is the microscopic study of diseased tissue. Accurate diagnosis of cancer and other diseases usually requires histopathological examination of patient tissue specimens. Special stains are an important tool for pathologists and many special stains are key to detecting and identifying pathogens while others are used to diagnose and monitor cancer. Common stains for identifying microorganisms include AFB, Gram, GMS, and Warthin Starry. The PAS Stain kit is used for demonstrating glycogen in the liver. 2.1. GENERAL DEFINITIONS: 2.1.1. Cost Per Test (CPT) - Contractors are required to provide a price for each test that can be performed on its equipment. The per test price shall include costs covering equipment use, all reagents, standards, controls, supplies, consumable/disposable items, parts, accessories and any other item required for the proper operation of the contractor s equipment and necessary for the generation and reporting of a test result, all necessary maintenance to keep the equipment in good operating condition (This element includes both preventive maintenance and emergency repairs) and training for Government personnel. Contractors are required to provide delivery, installation and removal of equipment at no additional charge. 2.1.2. Acceptable CPT Pricing Model Per test result fixed pricing approaches include but are not limited to the following two models. 2.1.2.1. Matrices of all net prices inclusive of subject fixed and variable costs as indicated in the above definitions. 2.1.2.2. Pricing of subject fixed and variable costs broken down individually and subject to an acceptable calculation that would be applied, resulting in the net fixed price consistent with the requirement of the solicitation. 3.1. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS: The Contractor shall provide all upgrades to their equipment hardware and operating systems software at no additional charge to the Government. These enhancements to the Contractor s equipment shall be delivered to the Buffalo Laboratory and installed within thirty (30) days of their issuance or date of first commercial availability. One analyzer is required for the Buffalo Laboratory. The Contractor s equipment shall be made available in the same condition of production (as newly manufactured and remanufactured state-of-the-art equipment) as offered for a period of at least one (1) year after the date of contract award. The Contractor s equipment shall perform satisfactorily at any laboratory temperature between 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit and 10 and 32 degrees Celsius. 3.1.4. The Contractor s equipment shall perform satisfactorily at any laboratory relative humidity between 15 and 85 percent. An operator s manual shall be furnished with all supplied equipment. SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES: 4.1.1. Special stain system instrument 4.1.2. Workstation with monitor Report printer Shipping and installation. All shipping shall be FOB Destination to the Buffalo Laboratory without any exceptions. Uninterruptible power supply 4.1.6. Service and warranty 4.1.7. The awarded contract shall include a minimum of the following stains listed below in Table 1. The Government shall reserve the right to add stains when required through a bilateral modification with the awarded Contractor. Table 1 Amyloid Stain, Congo Red Kit Iron Stain Alcian Blue PAS AB/PAS AB/PAS with alpha Amylase AB/PAS/Hematoxylin AFB, AFB Light Green AB PH 2.5 Colloidal Iron Elastic Stain Mucicarmine Kit MTR Masson s Trichrome Gram and Gram Yellow GMS Kit and GMS Eosin Giemsa Stain, Gomon s Blue, and Gomon s Green Trichrome Janner-Wright Giemsa Orcein PAS PAS with alpha amylase PAS-M H&E PAS Green PAS-M Light Green Reticulin/No Counterstain Reticulin-NFR Stain Kit Warthin Starry 5.1. INSTRUMENT SPECIFICATIONS: The ability to fully automate the special staining process which includes drying, deparaffinization through staining, and providing a finished slide. 5.1.2. A consistent quality of special stain results. 5.1.3. Individual slide heating which eliminates the need to batch tests. A minimum of forty-eight (48) slide capacity. Minimal maintenance, which consists of less than forty-five (45) minutes maintenance each day. Warthin Starry stain results within fifteen (15) minutes. The system shall be optimized for staining of multiple protocols at the same time. The flexibility to perform heated and non-heated stains in the same run and simultaneously process up to fourteen (14) different protocols. Provide prefilled barcode reagent cartridges minimizing exposure to hazardous reagents and providing automatic waste segregation of solvents, acids, and hazardous chemicals from aqueous waste. Benchtop dimensions not to exceed 24 inches H x 27.5inches D x 36 Wide. 6.1. COST PER TEST: 6.1.1. The cost per test price shall include costs covering the following: 6.1.1.1 equipment use. 6.1.1.2. all standards, controls, and related products. 6.1.1.3. shipping of products. 6.1.1.4. all necessary maintenance to keep the Contractor s equipment in proper operating condition (this element includes both preventative maintenance and emergency repairs). 6.1.1.5. Training for Government personnel. 6.1.1.6. The Contractor shall provide delivery, installation, and repair of their equipment at no additional charge. 7.1. SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE: The Contractor shall provide maintenance (labor and parts) to keep their equipment in proper operating condition and subject to security regulations. The Government shall provide the contractor access to their equipment for service. The Contractor shall provide regularly scheduled maintenance to assure the continued reliable operation of their equipment. These preventative maintenance visits shall be of a frequency that conforms to the manufacturer s operation and maintenance instructions for the supported equipment. However, intervals between scheduled maintenance services shall be the same as those provided to commercial customers for the same model of clinical laboratory equipment. Users shall perform daily routine maintenance and cleaning as required in the manufacturer s operation and maintenance instructions. Emergency Repair: Emergency repairs shall be performed after notification that the Contractor s equipment is inoperative. The Contractor shall provide the Government with a designated point of contact and shall make arrangements to enable the maintenance representative to receive such notifications. The Contractor shall perform emergency repair service within twenty-four (24) hours of notification of a malfunction. All parts and labor needed to repair the malfunction shall be provided by the Contractor. Travel, per diem, and other expenses associated with the repair will be borne by the contractor. The Contractor shall furnish a malfunction incident report to the Buffalo Laboratory upon completion of each maintenance call. The report shall include as a minimum the following information: 7.1.4.3.1. date and time notified. 7.1.4.3.2. date and time of arrival. 7.1.4.3.3. serial number and the type and model numbers of equipment 7.1.4.3.4. time spent on the repair 7.1.4.3.5. description of the malfunction and repair 7.1.4.3.6. proof of repair that includes documentation of a sample run of quality control verifying acceptable performance. 7.1.4.4. If an instrument remains inoperative due to a malfunction through no fault or negligence of the Government for a total of more than twenty-four hours, the contractor shall be assessed damages which will be applied to the invoice in the form of a credit or deduction, at the rate of 1/30 of the preceding average 3 month cost-per-test times the total number of days certified as downtime. In the event that there is no history of cost-per-test billings then the estimated volumes that were established and agreed to in the contract document (e.g. contract or order placed against the contract) will be used. Downtime for each incident shall start from the time the Government makes a bona fide attempt to contact the contractor's designated representative at the prearranged contact point until the machine is returned in good operating order. However, if the delivery/task order provides for emergency repair during normal business hours in lieu of twenty-four-hour service, the non-contracted maintenance (Emergency Repairs) days will not be included in the downtime calculation. 8.1. REPLACEMENT OF LABORATORY EQUIPMENT: During the contract period of performance should the repair record of any Contractor supplied equipment reflect a downtime of 10% or more of the normal working days in one calendar month a determination will be made by the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) representative to replace the initial equipment with new equipment. The Government shall maintain the equipment according to the manufacturer s specifications. The Contractor shall remove their equipment at the expiration of the awarded contract unless the Government opts to retain the equipment at a negotiated price with the Contractor. 9.1. TRAINING: 9.1.1. The Contractor at no additional charge to the Government shall provide training for two operating personnel at the time of installation of the contractor s equipment. In addition, the Contractor shall provide supplemental operating training to Government personnel without additional charge to the Government upon installation of any upgrade in equipment, and hardware or operating system software connected with the operation of an instrument already furnished. 9.1.2. At the Government's request, the contractor shall furnish training for additional personnel. The expenses associated with the training of additional personnel shall be borne by the Government. 9.1.3. Additionally, the contractor, at its discretion may make training available at its facility on terms and conditions mutually agreed upon by the agency and the contractor. 10.1. IMPLEMENTATION PLAN: 10.1.1. The Contractor shall provide with their proposal an implementation plan for installation of their equipment. The implementation plan must be submitted as a separate document detailing the timeline of events that shall occur during the ninety (90) day implementation period that begins on the award date. The Contractor s submitted plan shall not exceed ninety (90) from the award date for the transition of all requirements to include installation, training of personnel, transition of all testing materials, reagents and supplies, and performance of all correlation and validation studies. Failure of the Contractor to conform to the ninety (90) implementation period shall be considered sufficient reason to terminate the award for cause. At the end of the ninety (90) day implementation period, the awarded Contractor shall have full and sole responsibility for all requirements in the SOW. 10.1.1.1. Site preparation: 10.1.1.2. Site specifications will be ascertained through analysis of the published requirements in the manufacturer's literature. 10.1.1.3. The Government shall prepare the site at its own expense and in accordance with the specifications furnished by the contractor. 10.1.1.4. The contractor shall inspect the site on the date and time acceptable to using activity. The contractor shall report to the Government the inspection dates, any rejections, the reasons therefore and the final inspection and acceptance results. The results will be utilized to assure that the instrument would be in the appropriate environment for optimum use. 10.1.1.5. Any alterations or modification in site preparation that are attributable to incomplete or erroneous specifications provided by the contractor which would involve additional expense to the Government, shall be made at the expense of the contractor. 10.1.1.6. Any such site alterations or modifications as specified in Subparagraph 10.1.1.5. above which cause a delay in the installation date will also result in liquidated damages for equipment as specified in Paragraph 7.1. 11.1. INSTALLATION AND DELIVERY: 11.1.1. Installation: 11.1.1.1 Within 72 hours after the date of the analyzer's delivery to the installation site (delivery of the analyzer by the contractor is F.O.B. to the installation site within the Government facility), the contractor's representative shall satisfactorily perform (and complete) the installation/setup of the analyzer. Installation is required within 72 hours after site preparation has been completed in conformance with subparagraph 10.1.1.1. and mutual agreement has been reached as to site preparation acceptability. 11.1.1.2. Installation by the contractor's representative shall be complete, and in accordance with the manufacturer s installation and operation manuals/instructions, and shall include, as a minimum: 11.1.1.2.1. Unpacking the analyzer from the shipping crate. 11.1.1.2.2. Taking system component (and accessories) inventory and performing inspection to ensure that all required analyzer components are present, in working order, and undamaged. 11.1.1.2.3. Assembling the analyzer into its normal operational configuration; this includes making any required connections for electrical power, drain or vent lines, gas/compressed air, etc. and software installation (loading into computer based/controlled analyzers any operating/configuration software). 11.1.1.2.4. Performing a complete system operation check (including all system diagnostics, standardization/calibration of the analyzer, making any required electrical or mechanical adjustments, and performance of a trial sample run as required to verify quality control/system performance); and providing the operator training for two Government personnel at the time of installation. 11.1.1.3. Before leaving the installation site, the contractor's representative shall provide the Government with: 11.1.1.3.1. A certified copy verifying the analyzer's operation performance (the level of performance must be within the manufacturer's specifications for a new analyzer). 11.1.1.3.2. All required operating manuals, etc. (as specified in the General Requirements section of this contract). 11.1.1.3.3. A telephone number for the contractor's technical support/assistance department for the supported analyzer. 11.1.1.3.4. The performance period shall commence on the date of the installation by the contractor's representative. 11.1.2. Delivery: 11.1.2.1. Products ordered by the VA Western New York Healthcare System (WNYHS) shall be delivered within seven (7) calendar days after the Contractor receives the order. 11.1.2.2. The COR shall be informed if products are not available for shipment due to shipping problems or any other problems. 11.1.2.3. All products provided by the Contractor shall be of the highest quality ensuring sensitivity, specificity, and tested to assure precision and accuracy. The quality of the products shall be high enough to satisfy proficiency testing standards of the College of American Pathologists (CAP) and the Joint Commission Authority (JCA). 12.1. ORDERING: 12.1.1. VA Healthcare system will issue their unique purchase orders to the contractor. Delivery orders issued shall be identified by the awarded Contract number and the corresponding Purchase order number for the VA Healthcare system Laboratory. 12.1.2. Contractor must furnish a designated point of contact for placing orders. Orders shall be sent to the following address: 12.1.2.1. Department of Veterans Affairs Buffalo VA Medical Center 3495 Bailey Avenue Buffalo, NY 14215 12.1.3. Upon receipt, the Government will inspect items for condition and working operation and acknowledge condition within 1 week of receipt. 12.1.4. Contractor must deliver all components for fully operational system. 12.1.5. All orders placed against this Contract shall be by authorized individuals within the scope of their authority as designated by the facility participating in this contract. 12.1.6. The Government estimates, but does not guarantee, the volume of purchases using this Contract. This Contract does not obligate funds. The Government is obligated only to the extent of authorized purchases made under the Contract. 12.1.7. Orders will be placed against this Contract using Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), FAX, paper, or oral communications. 12.1.8. Unless otherwise agreed to, all deliveries under this Contract must be accompanied by delivery tickets or sales slips that contain the following information as a minimum: 12.1.8.1 Contractor Name 12.1.8.2. Contract number, and any delivery/task order number assigned under that Contract 12.1.8.3. Date of purchase 12.1.8.4. Date of shipment 12.1.8.5. Description of each item, including (when applicable) model number and Special Item Number (SIN) 12.1.8.6. Quantity for each item in the order. 12.1.8.7. Unit price and extended (quantity x unit price) price for each item. 13.1. OWNERSHIP OF EQUIPMENT: 13.1.1. Title to equipment provided under the awarded contract shall remain with the Contractor. All accessories furnished by the Contractor shall accompany their equipment when their equipment is returned. 13.1.2. The Contractor upon contract expiration, replacement of their equipment, or contract termination shall remove their equipment. The Contractor shall disconnect their equipment and will be responsible for all packing and shipping required to remove their equipment within seven (7) calendar days. 14.1. DESIGNATION OF CONTRACT OFFICER REPRESENTATIVE (COR): 14.1.1. The COR shall be designated in writing. The COR shall furnish technical guidance and advice regarding the work being performed against the awarded contract. The COR is not authorized to interpret or furnish advice and information to the Contractor relative to the financial or legal aspects of the contract, as these items are the responsibility of the Contracting Officer. 15.1. SCHEDULE OF TERMS: 15.1.1. The period of performance of the awarded contract shall run from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2030. The awarded contract period of performance shall not exceed five years and six months. (End of Statement of Work) The contract period of performance is October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2030. Products ordered shall be delivered within seven (7) calendar days after the Contractor receives the order. Shipping is FOB Destination. Place of Performance/Place of Delivery Address: Buffalo VA Medical Center 3495 Bailey Avenue Buffalo, NY 14215 Country: UNITED STATES The full text of FAR provisions or clauses may be accessed electronically at https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far. The following solicitation provisions apply to this acquisition: FAR 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors Commercial Products and Commercial Services The following provision is incorporated into 52.212-1 as an addendum to this solicitation: 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors Commercial Products and Commercial Services (SEP 2023) (a) North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code and small business size standard. The NAICS code(s) and small business size standard(s) for this acquisition appear elsewhere in the Request for Quote (RFQ). However, the small business size standard for a concern that submits an quote, other than on a construction or service acquisition, but proposes to furnish an end item that it did not itself manufacture, process, or produce is 500 employees, or 150 employees for information technology value-added resellers under NAICS code 541519, if the acquisition (1) Is set aside for small business and has a value above the simplified acquisition threshold; (2) Uses the HUBZone price evaluation preference regardless of dollar value, unless the offeror waives the price evaluation preference; or (3) Is an 8(a), HUBZone, service-disabled veteran-owned, economically disadvantaged women-owned, or women-owned small business set-aside or sole-source award regardless of dollar value. (b) Submission of Quotes. Submit signed and dated quotes to the office specified in this Request for Quote (RFQ) at or before the exact time specified in this solicitation. Quotes may be submitted on letterhead stationery, or as otherwise specified in the solicitation. As a minimum, quotes must show (1) The solicitation number. (2) The time specified in the solicitation for receipt of quotations; (3) The name, address, and telephone number of the quoter; (4) A technical description of the items being quoted in sufficient detail to evaluate compliance with the requirements in the solicitation. This may include product literature, or other documents, if necessary; (5) Terms of any express warranty; (6) Price and any discount terms; (7) "Remit to" address, if different than mailing address; (8) A completed copy of the representations and certifications at Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 52.212-3 (see FAR 52.212-3(b) for those representations and certifications that the offeror shall complete electronically); (9) Acknowledgment of Quotation Amendments; (10) Past performance information will not be considered in simplified acquisition procurements. (11) Quotes should include a statement specifying the extent of agreement with all terms, conditions, and provisions included in the solicitation. Quotes that fail to furnish required representations, or information, or reject the terms and conditions of the solicitation may be excluded from consideration. (c) Period for acceptance of Quotes. The offeror agrees to hold the prices in its offer firm for 30 calendar days from the date specified for receipt of quotes, unless another time period is specified in an addendum to the solicitation. (d) Product samples. When required by the solicitation, product samples shall be submitted at or prior to the time specified for receipt of quotes. Unless otherwise specified in this solicitation, these samples shall be submitted at no expense to the Government, and returned at the sender s request and expense, unless they are destroyed during preaward testing. (e) Alternate Quotes. The Government is not requesting alternate quotations, however, quoters may present alternative terms and conditions, including alternative line items (provided that the alternative line items are consistent with FAR subpart 4.10), or alternative commercial products or commercial services for satisfying the requirements of this solicitation. Any exceptions taken by the quoter must be clearly identified in writing. (f) Late submissions, modifications, revisions, and withdrawals of quotes. (1) Quoters are responsible for submitting quotes, and any modifications, revisions, or withdrawals, so as to reach the Government office designated in the solicitation by the time specified in the solicitation. If no time is specified in the solicitation, the time for receipt is 4:30 p.m., local time, for the designated Government office on the date that quotes or revisions are due. (2) Any quote received at the Government office designated in the solicitation after the exact time specified for receipt of quotes is "late" and may not be considered unless it is received before purchase order issuance and the Contracting Officer determines that accepting the late quote would not unduly delay the acquisition. (3) If an emergency or unanticipated event interrupts normal Government processes so that quotes cannot be received at the Government office designated for receipt of quotes by the exact time specified in the Request for Quote, and urgent Government requirements preclude amendment of the solicitation or other notice of an extension of the closing date, the time specified for receipt of quotes will be deemed to be extended to the same time of day specified in the solicitation on the first work day on which normal Government processes resume. (g) Issuance of Contract. The Government may issue a contract to one or more quoters as identified in the Request for Quote (RFQ). Therefore, the quoter s initial quote should contain the best terms from a price and technical standpoint. However, the Government may reject any or all quotes if such action is in the public s best interest. In addition, the Contracting Officer (CO) may issue a contract to other than the quoter with the lowest quoted price. (h) Multiple awards. The Government may issue a contract for any item or group of items of a quotation, unless the quoter qualifies the quotation by specific limitations. Unless otherwise provided in the quotation, offers may not be submitted for quantities less than those specified in the RFQ. The Government reserves the right to issue a contract for a quantity less than the quantity quoted, at the unit prices quoted, unless the quoter specifies otherwise in the quote. (i) Availability of requirements documents cited in the solicitation. (1) (i) The GSA Index of Federal Specifications, Standards and Commercial Item Descriptions, FPMR Part 101 29, and copies of Federal specifications, standards, and product descriptions can be downloaded from the ASSIST website at https://assist.dla.mil. (ii) If the General Services Administration, Department of Agriculture, or Department of Veterans Affairs issued this solicitation, a copy of specifications, standards, and commercial item descriptions cited in this solicitation may be obtained from the address in paragraph (i)(1)(i) of this provision. (2) Most unclassified Defense specifications and standards may be downloaded from the ASSIST website at https://assist.dla.mil. (3) Defense documents not available from the ASSIST website may be requested from the Defense Standardization Program Office by (i) Using the ASSIST feedback module ( https://assist.dla.mil/ feedback); or (ii) Contacting the Defense Standardization Program Office by telephone at 571 767 6688 or email at assisthelp@dla.mil. (4) Nongovernment (voluntary) standards must be obtained from the organization responsible for their preparation, publication, or maintenance. (j) Unique entity identifier.(Applies to all quotes that exceed the micro-purchase threshold, and quotes at or below the micro-purchase threshold if the Request for Quote (RFQ) requires the Contractor to be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM).) The quoter shall enter, in the block with its name and address on the cover page of its offer, the annotation "Unique Entity Identifier" followed by the unique entity identifier that identifies the Quoter's name and address. The Quoter also shall enter its Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) indicator, if applicable. The EFT indicator is a four-character suffix to the unique entity identifier. The suffix is assigned at the discretion of the Quoter to establish additional SAM records for identifying alternative EFT accounts (see FAR subpart 32.11) for the same entity. If the Quoter does not have a unique entity identifier, it should contact the entity designated at www.sam.gov for unique entity identifier establishment directly to obtain one. The Quoter should indicate that it is an planning to submit a quote for a Government Request for Quote (RFQ) when contacting the entity designated at www.sam.gov for establishing the unique entity identifier. (k) [Reserved] (l) Notification. The CO will not notify unsuccessful quoters that responded to this Request for Quotation (RFQ). (End of provision) ADDENDUM to FAR 52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (SEP 2023) Provisions that are incorporated by reference (by Citation Number, Title, and Date), have the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. The version of FAR 52.212-1 in the addendum is tailored for Simplified Acquisition Procedures and supersedes the current version of FAR 52.212-1 contained in the FAR. 52.252-1 Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference (Feb 1998) http://www.acquisition.gov/far/index.html (FAR) and http://www.va.gov/oal/library/vaar/index.asp (VAAR) 52. 204-7 System for Award Management (Nov 2024) 52. 204-16 Commercial and Government Entity Code Reporting (Aug 2020) 52.204-24 Representation Regarding Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment (Nov 2021) 52.204-29 Federal Acquisition Supply Chain Security Act Orders Representation and Disclosures (Dec 2023) 852.239-75 Information and Communication Technology Accessibility Notice (Feb 2023) FAR 52.212-2 Evaluation-Commercial Products and Commercial Services Basis for Award. The Government will issue a purchase order to the responsible quoter whose quotation conforming to the solicitation will be most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered. The following factors shall be used to evaluate quotations: Technical Capability Veterans Involvement Price Evaluation Approach. The Government will evaluate quotations using the comparative evaluation process outlined in FAR 13.106-2 (b) (3), where quotations will be compared to one another to determine which provides the best benefit to the Government. The Government reserves the right to consider a quotation other than the lowest price that provides additional benefit(s). Quotations may exceed minimum requirements of the solicitation. The Government reserves the right to select a quotation that provides benefit to the Government that exceeds the minimum requirements of the solicitation, but is not required to do so. Each response must meet the minimum requirements of the solicitation. The Government is not requesting alternate quotations, however, quoters may present alternative terms and conditions, including alternative line items (provided that the alternative line items are consistent with FAR subpart 4.10), or alternative commercial products or commercial services for satisfying the requirements of this solicitation. Any exceptions taken by the quoter must be clearly identified in writing. The evaluation will consider the following: Technical Capability: The quotation will be evaluated to the extent to which it can meet and/or exceed the Government s requirements as outlined in the solicitation and based on the information requested in the instructions to quoters section of the solicitation. Veterans Involvement: In accordance with Veterans Affairs Acquisition Regulation (VAAR) 852.215-70 (DEVIATION), Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned and Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB) Evaluation Factors, the Government will assign evaluation credit for a Quoter (i.e., prime contractor) which is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) or a VOSB. To receive credit, an offeror must be registered and verified in Vendor Information Pages (VIP) database at time of quotation submission and at time of award ( https://www.vip.vetbiz.va.gov/) and must meet federal small business size standards for the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code assigned to this solicitation. Non-SDVOSB/VOSB quotations that use SDVOSBs or VOSBs as subcontractors will receive some consideration under this evaluation Factor. Quoters must state in their quotations the names of the SDVOSBs and VOSBs with whom they intend to subcontract and provide a brief description of the proposed subcontracts and the approximate dollar values of the proposed subcontracts. In addition, the proposed subcontractors must be registered and verified in the VetBiz.gov VIP database ( https://www.vip.vetbiz.va.gov/) and must meet federal small business size standards for the NAICS code assigned to this solicitation at time of both quotation submission and at time of award. Price: The Government will evaluate the price by adding the total of all line item prices, including all options. The Total Evaluated Price will be that sum. (b) Options. The Government will evaluate quotations for award purposes by adding the total price for all options to the total price for the basic requirement. This includes options under FAR 52.217-8, Option to Extend Services, which applies to this solicitation. Evaluation of options under FAR 52.217-8 will be accomplished by adding six months of the quoter's price for the last potential period of performance under this contract to the quoter's total price. For example, if the contract includes option periods that are exercisable under FAR 52.217-9, the quoter's total price for the purpose of evaluation will include the base period, all option periods, and an additional six months of the last option period. Quoters must price only the base and option periods specified in the contract line item numbers (CLINs), and shall not submit a price for the potential six-month extension of services under FAR 52.217-8. The Government reserves the right to exercise the option under FAR 52.217-8 before the end of any of the contractor's performance periods and will be exercised at the price and/or rates in effect at the time the clause is exercised. Evaluation of options shall not obligate the Government to exercise the option(s). (c) A written notice of award or acceptance of an offer, mailed or otherwise furnished to the successful offeror within the time for acceptance specified in the offer, shall result in a binding contract without further action by either party. Before the offer s specified expiration time, the Government may accept an offer (or part of an offer), whether or not there are negotiations after its receipt, unless a written notice of withdrawal is received before award. (End of Provision) FAR 52.212-3, Offerors Representations and Certifications Commercial Products and Commercial Services Offerors must complete annual representations and certifications electronically via the System for Award Management (SAM) website located at https://sam.gov/ in accordance with FAR 52.212-3, Offerors Representations and Certifications Commercial Products and Commercial Services. If paragraph (j) of the provision is applicable, a written submission is required. Note: www.sam.gov registration is required to be completed at the time of submission of response. The following contract clauses apply to this acquisition: FAR 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2023) Addendum to 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions Commercial Products and Commercial Services (NOV 2023) Clauses that are incorporated by reference (by Citation Number, Title, and Date), have the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. The following clauses are incorporated into 52.212-4 as an addendum to this contract: 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998) http://www.acquisition.gov/far/index.html (FAR) and http://www.va.gov/oal/library/vaar/index.asp (VAAR) 52.204-13 System for Award Management Maintenance (Oct 2018) 52.204-18 Commercial and Government Entity Code Maintenance (Aug 2020) 52.216-18 Ordering (Aug 2020) (a) Such orders may be issued from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2030. 52.216-19 Order Limitations (Oct 1995) (a) $20,000.00 (b)(1) $150,000.00 (b)(2) $150,000.00 (b)(3) seven days (d) seven days 52.216-22 Indefinite Quantity (Oct 1995) (d) December 31, 2030 52.217-6 Option for Increased Quantity (Mar 1989) The Contracting Officer may exercise the option by written notice to the Contractor within 30 days. 52.217-7 Option for Increased Quantity Separately Priced Line Item (Mar 1989) The Contracting Officer may exercise the option by written notice to the Contractor within 30 days of exercising the option 52.217-8 Option to Extend Services (Nov 1999) The Contracting Officer may exercise the option by written notice to the Contractor within 30 days of exercising the option 52. 217-9 Option to Extend the Term of the Contract (Mar 2000) The Government may extend the term of this contract by written notice to the Contractor within 30 days; provided that the Government gives the Contractor a preliminary written notice of its intent to extend at least 60 days before the contract expires. (c) Five years and six months. 85.201-70 Contracting Officer s Representative (Dec 2022) 852.203-70 Commercial Advertising (May 2018) 852.215-70 Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned and Veteran-Owned Small Business Evaluation Factors (Deviation) (Jan 2023) 852.215-71 Evaluation Factor Commitments (Oct 2019) 852.232-72 Electronic Submission of Payment Requests (Nov 2018) 852.242-71 Administrative Contracting Officer (Oct 2020) 852.246-71 Rejected Goods (Oct 2018) 852.247-71 Delivery Location (Oct 2018) Buffalo VA Medical Center 3495 Bailey Avenue Buffalo, NY 14215 852.247-73 Packing for Domestic Shipment (Oct 2018) FAR 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Feb 2025) The following subparagraphs of FAR 52.212-5 are applicable: (a) The Contractor shall comply with the following Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clauses, which are incorporated in this contract by reference, to implement provisions of law or Executive orders applicable to acquisitions of commercial products and commercial services: (1) 52.203-19, Prohibition on Requiring Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements (JAN 2017) (section 743 of Division E. Title VII, of the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015 (Pub. L. 113-235) and its successor provisions in subsequent appropriations acts (and as extended in continuing resolutions)). (2) 52.204-23, Prohibition on Contracting for Hardware, Software, and Services Developed or Provided by Kapersky Lab Covered Entities (DEC 2023) (Section 1634 of Pub. L. 115-91). (3) 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment (NOV 2021) Section 889(a)(1)(A) of Pub. L. 115-232). (4) 52.209-10, Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations (NOV 2015). (5) 52.232-40, Providing Accelerated Payments to Small Business Subcontractors (Mar 2023) (31 U.S.C. 3903 and 10 U.S.C. 3801). (6) 52.233-3, Protest After Award (AUG 1996) (31 U.S.C. 3553). (7) 52.233-4, Applicable Law for Breach of Contract Claim (OCT 2004) (Public Laws 108-77 and 108-78) (19 U.S.C. 3805 note)). (b) The Contractor shall comply with the FAR clauses in this paragraph (b) that the Contracting Officer has indicated as being incorporated in this contract by reference to implement provisions of law or Executive orders applicable to acquisitions of commercial products and commercial services: (4) 52.203-17, Contractor Employee Whistleblower Rights (Nov 2023) ( 41 U.S.C. 4712); this clause does not apply to contracts of DoD, NASA, the Coast Guard, or applicable elements of the intelligence community see FAR 3.900(a). (5) 52.204-10, Reporting Executive Compensation & First-Tier Subcontract Awards (JUN 2020) (Pub. L. 109-282) (31 U.S.C. 6101 note). (9) 52.204-27, Prohibition on a ByteDance Covered Application (JUN 2023) (Section 102 of Division R of Pub L. 117-328). (11) (i) 52.204 30, Federal Acquisition Supply Chain Security Act Orders Prohibition. (Dec 2023) ( Pub. L. 115 390, title II). (12) 52.209-6, Protecting the Government s Interest When Subcontracting with Contractors Debarred, Suspended, Proposed for Debarment, or Voluntarily Excluded (JAN 2025) (31 U.S.C. 6101 note). (16) 52.219-4, Notice of Price Evaluation Preference for HUBZone Small Business Concerns (OCT 2022) (if the offeror elects to waive the preference, it shall so indicate in its offer) (15 U.S.C. 657a). (26) (i) 52.219-28, PostAward Small Business Program Rerepresentation (JAN 2025) (15 U.S.C. 632(a)(2)). (32) 52.222-19, Child Labor--Cooperation with Authorities and Remedies (JAN 2025)(E.O.13126) (35)(i) 52.222-35, Equal Opportunity for Veterans (JUN 2020) (38 U.S.C. 4212). (36) (i) 52.222-36, Equal Opportunity for Workers with Disabilities (JUN 2020) (29 U.S.C. 793). (37) 52.222-37, Employment Reports on Veterans (JUN 2020) (38 U.S.C. 4212). (39)(i) 52.222-50, Combating Trafficking in Persons (NOV 2021) (22 U.S.C. chapter 78 and E.O. 13627). (46) 52.223-23, Sustainable Products and Services (May 2024) [(DEVIATION FEB 2025)](7 U.S.C. 8102, 42 U.S.C. 6962, 42 U.S.C. 8259b, and 42 U.S.C. 7671l) (49)(i) 52.225-3, Buy American--Free Trade Agreements--Israeli Trade Act (NOV 2023) (19 U.S.C. 3301 note, 19 U.S.C. 2112 note, 19 U.S.C. 3805 note, 19 U.S.C. 4001 note, 19 U.S.C. chapter 29 (sections 4501-4732), Public Law 103-182, 108-77, 108-78, 108-286, 108-302, 109-53, 109-169, 109-283, 110-138, 112-41, 112-42, and 112-43. (51) 52.225-13, Restrictions on Certain Foreign Purchases (FEB 2021) (E.O .s, proclamations and statutes administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the Department of the Treasury). (55) 52.226-8, Encouraging Contractor Policies to Ban Text Messaging While Driving (May 2024) ( E.O. 13513) (59) 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer - System for Award Management (OCT 2018) (31 U.S.C. 3332). (63) 52.240-1, Prohibition on Unmanned Aircraft Systems Manufactured or Assembled by American Security Drone Act-Covered Foreign Entities (NOV 2024) (Sections 1821-1826, Pub. L. 118-31, 41 U.S.C. 3901 note prec.). (d) Comptroller General Examination of Record. The Contractor shall comply with the provisions of this paragraph (d) if this contract was awarded using other than sealed bid, is in excess of the simplified acquisition threshold, and does not contain the clause at 52.215-2, Audit and Records - Negotiation. The Comptroller General of the United States, or an authorized representative of the Comptroller General, shall have access to and right to examine any of the Contractor's directly pertinent records involving transactions related to this contract. (2) The Contractor shall make available at its offices at all reasonable times the records, materials, and other evidence for examination, audit, or reproduction, until 3 years after final payment under this contract or for any shorter period specified in FAR Subpart 4.7, Contractor Records Retention, of the other clauses of this contract. If this contract is completely or partially terminated, the records relating to the work terminated shall be made available for 3 years after any resulting final termination settlement. Records relating to appeals under the disputes clause or to litigation or the settlement of claims arising under or relating to this contract shall be made available until such appeals, litigation, or claims are finally resolved. (3) As used in this clause, records include books, documents, accounting procedures and practices, and other data, regardless of type and regardless of form. This does not require the Contractor to create or maintain any record that the Contractor does not maintain in the ordinary course of business or pursuant to a provision of law. (e) (1) Notwithstanding the requirements of the clauses in paragraphs (a), (b), (c), and (d) of this clause, the Contractor is not required to flow down any FAR clause, other than those in this paragraph (e)(1) in a subcontract for commercial products and commercial services. Unless otherwise indicated below, the extent of the flow down shall be as required by the clause (i) 52.203-13, Contractor Code of Business Ethics and Conduct (NOV 2021) (41 U.S.C. 3509). (ii) 52.203-17, Contractor Employee Whistleblower Rights (NOV 2023) (41 U.S.C. 4712) (iii) 52.203-19, Prohibition on Requiring Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements (JAN 2017) (section 743 of Division E, Title VII, or the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015 (Pub. L. 113-235) and its successor provisions in subsequent appropriations acts (and as extended in continuing resolutions)). (iv) 52.204-23, Prohibition on Contracting for Hardware, Software, and Services Developed or Provided by Kaspersky Lab Covered Entities (DEC 2023) (Section 1634 of Pub. L. 115-91). (v) 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunication and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment. (NOV 2021) (Section 889(a)(1)(A) of Pub. L. 115-232). (vi) 52.204-27, Prohibition on a ByteDance Covered Application. (JUN 2023) (Section 102 of Division R of Pub L. 117-328). (vii) (A) 52.204 30, Federal Acquisition Supply Chain Security Act Orders Prohibition. (Dec 2023) ( Pub. L. 115 390, title II). (B) Alternate I (Dec 2023) of 52.204 30. (viii) 52.219-8, Utilization of Small Business Concerns (JAN 2025) (15 U.S.C. 637(d)(2) and (3)), in all subcontracts that offer further subcontracting opportunities. If the subcontract (except subcontracts to small business concerns) exceeds the applicable threshold specified in FAR 19.702(a) on the date of subcontract award, the subcontractor must include 52.219-8 in lower tier subcontracts that offer subcontracting opportunities. (xi) 52.222-35, Equal Opportunity for Veterans (JUN 2020) (38 U.S.C. 4212). (xii) 52.222-36, Equal Opportunity for Workers with Disabilities (JUN 2020) (29 U.S.C. 793). (xiii) 52.222-37, Employment Reports on Veterans (JUN 2020) (38 U.S.C. 4212) (xiv) 52.222-40, Notification of Employee Rights Under the National Labor Relations Act (DEC 2010) (E.O. 13496). Flow down required in accordance with paragraph (f) of FAR clause 52.222-40. (xv) 52.222-41, Service Contract Labor Standards (AUG 2018), (41 U.S.C. chapter 67). (xvi) (A) 52.222-50, Combating Trafficking in Persons (NOV 2021) (22 U.S.C. chapter 78 and E.O. 13627). (B) Alternate I (MAR 2015) of 52.222-50 (22 U.S.C. chapter 78 and E.O. 13627). (xvii) 52.222-51, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Maintenance, Calibration, or Repair of Certain Equipment Requirements (MAY 2014) (41 U.S.C. chapter 67). (xviii) 52.222-53, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Certain Services Requirements (MAY 2014) (41 U.S.C. chapter 67). (xix) 52.222-54, Employment Eligibility Verification (JAN 2025) (E.O. 12989). (xx) 52.222-55, Minimum Wages for Contractor Workers Under Executive Order 14026 (JAN 2022). (xxi) 52.222-62, Paid Sick Leave Under Executive Order 13706 (JAN 2022) (E.O. 13706). (xxii) (A) 52.224-3, Privacy Training (JAN 2017) (5 U.S.C. 552a). (B) Alternate I (JAN 2017) of 52.224-3. (xxiii) 52.225-26, Contractors Performing Private Security Functions Outside the United States (OCT 2016) (Section 862, as amended, of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008; 10 U.S.C. Subtitle A, Part V, Subpart G Note) (xxivi) 52.226-6, Promoting Excess Food Donation to Nonprofit Organizations (JUN 2020) (42 U.S.C. 1792). Flow down required in accordance with paragraph (e) of FAR clause 52.226-6. (xxv) 52.232-40, Providing Accelerated Payments to Small Business Subcontractors (Mar 2023) ( 31 U.S.C. 3903 and 10 U.S.C. 3801). Flow down required in accordance with paragraph (c) of 52.232-40. (xxvi) 52.240-1, Prohibition on Unmanned Aircraft Systems Manufactured or Assembled by American Security Drone Act-Covered Foreign Entities (Nov 2024) (Sections 1821-1826, Pub. L. 118-31, 41 U.S.C. 3901 note prec.). (xxvii) 52.247-64, Preference for Privately Owned U.S.-Flag Commercial Vessels (NOV 2021) (46 U.S.C. 55305 and 10 U.S.C. 2631). Flow down required in accordance with paragraph (d) of FAR clause 52.247-64. While not required, the Contractor may include in its subcontracts for commercial products and commercial services a minimal number of additional clauses necessary to satisfy its contractual obligations. (End of clause) All quoters shall submit the following: [describe information to be submitted in the response.]. All quotes shall be sent to the Network Contracting Office 2 (NCO 2), Jonathan Kilgore, Contracting Officer at jonathan.kilgore@va.gov. Award will be based upon a comparative evaluation of quotes in accordance with the Simplified Acquisition Procedures of FAR 13. Comparative evaluation is the side by side pairwise comparison of quotes based on factors resulting in a Contracting Officer decision for the quote most favorable to the Government. Options will be evaluated at time of award. The award will be made to the response most advantageous to the Government. Responses should contain your best terms, conditions. See ADDENDUM to FAR 52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (SEP 2023) section above for a complete explanation of the instruction to offerors. See ADDENDUM to 52.212-2 EVALUATION COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES section above for a completion explanation of how submissions will be evaluated. To facilitate the award process, all quotes must include a statement regarding the terms and conditions herein as follows: "The terms and conditions in the solicitation are acceptable to be included in the award document without modification, deletion, or addition." OR "The terms and conditions in the solicitation are acceptable to be included in the award document with the exception, deletion, or addition of the following:" Quoters shall list exception(s) and rationale for the exception(s), if any. Submission of your response shall be received not later than 9:00AM Eastern Standard Time on September 2, 2025. Late submissions shall be treated in accordance with the solicitation provision at FAR 52.212-1(f). Any questions or concerns regarding this solicitation should be forwarded in writing via e-mail to the Point of Contact listed below. Telephone calls will not be accepted. Point of Contact Jonathan Kilgore, Contracting Officer, Jonathan.kilgore@va.gov. Attachments Attachment A Individual Orders: Delivery orders and purchase orders shall be issued by a Contracting Officer. No other methodology for ordering is acceptable. Only warranted Contracting Officers have the authority to award delivery orders and purchase orders. Delivery: Delivery is required no later than seven (7) calendar days after receipt of an order for all delivery orders and purchase orders issued against the awarded Contract. All deliveries shall be made to the following address: Buffalo VA Medical Center Attention: Pathology & Laboratory Medicine 3495 Bailey Avenue Buffalo, NY 14215 Shipping: All Orders placed against the awarded Contract are to be shipped FOB Destination without any exceptions. Invoices: The obligation of funds will occur at the delivery order level. Each delivery order will have a corresponding purchase order. To receive payment, the Contractor must invoice against the purchase order number associated with the corresponding delivery order. Invoices must be submitted electronically through the Tungsten Network against the correct purchase order number and must include the following: the order date, the order number or the invoice number, and an itemized bill. CLIN Description of Testing Guaranteed Minimum Ordering Period: October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2030 0001 Special stainer testing in accordance with the Statement of Work. $20,000.00 Year 1: October 1, 2025 September 30, 2026 CLIN Item # Item Description Unit Price per Slide 0001 Special Stainer Testing Cost per Slide EA Year 2: October 1, 2026 September 30, 2027 CLIN Item # Item Description Unit Price per Slide 1001 Special Stainer Testing Cost per Slide EA Year 3: October 1, 2027 September 30, 2028 CLIN Item # Item Description Unit Price per Slide 2001 Special Stainer Testing Cost per Slide EA Year 4: October 1, 2028 September 30, 2029 CLIN Item # Item Description Unit Price per Slide 3001 Special Stainer Testing Cost per Slide EA Year 5: October 1, 2029 September 30, 2030 CLIN Item # Item Description Unit Price per Slide 4001 Special Stainer Testing Cost per Slide EA For unit pricing purposes only, the Contractor s proposal shall consider the following annual need estimate of 1,560 special stainer tests each year for the Buffalo Laboratory. Note: This is an annual estimate of the required special stainer tests for the Buffalo Laboratory. This annual estimated testing number is not a required minimum purchase. The Government is not obligated to purchase any minimum quantity of any items against the awarded Contract.
