This is not a solicitation but rather a Request for Information (RFI/Sources Sought) for market research purposes only. Veterans Health Affairs, Network Contracting Office 4, is issuing this Sources Sought in order to identify capable firms and obtain information for planning purposes only. Veterans Health Affairs, Network Contracting Office 4, is issuing this Sources Sought in order to identify capable firms for brand-name Histology equipment and accessories listed below. Responses shall be submitted by 12:00pm (EST) April 8th, 2025. Responses shall be submitted via email to yazmin.alvarez@va.gov. All Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB) and Veteran Owned Small Businesses (VOSB) firms that respond shall include proof of their Vets First Verification via Home·VetBiz Portal (va.gov). All small business firms that respond shall include proof of small business status via their Representations and Certifications in accordance with FAR 4.1102 Policy. While SDVOSB/VOSB contractors are preferred, all capable contractors are welcome to respond to this sources sought notice for market research purposes. All respondents shall include as part of their response a brief capability statement that covers the information in the following tentative statement of work, as well as answers to the below three (3) questions. All respondents shall be registered and active in SAM.gov|Home. The results of this market research will assist in the development of (1) the requirement, and (2) the acquisition approach (e.g., socioeconomic set-aside, full and open competition, etc.). VA assumes no responsibility for any costs incurred associated with the preparation of responses. Suggested NAICS: 334516 (Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing) Suggested PSC: 6640 (Laboratory Equipment and Supplies) Open to suggestions from industry as to a more proper NAICS and/or PSC, as well as any potential GSA/FSS Schedule SIN categories. In addition to the information requested above, please include answers to the below 3 questions as part of your response to this Sources Sought: 1. Identify any other companies owned (wholly or in-part) by the owners of this business who provide goods or services under the same or a related NAICS codes. 2. Identify any other companies owned (wholly or in-part) by the owners of this business who provide goods or services that are registered under the same or a related NAICS code with the Center for Veterans Enterprise (CVE); Provide the certification type (SDVOSB/VOSB), Federal Identification Number, and state of incorporation for each. 3. Do you plan on responding to a solicitation for this requirement with a Joint Venture utilizing multiple owned companies as majority or non-majority owner? Yes ___No ___ If yes, please identify which companies are considering a Joint Venture and the ownership of each company. STATEMENT OF NEED Title of Project: Histology Laboratory Equipment Scope of Work: The vendor shall provide all resources necessary to accomplish the deliverables described in this statement of need (SON), except as may otherwise be specified. The contractor shall provide Histology equipment with accessories as outlined in this SON. Background: The Lebanon VA Medical Center has a need to purchase brand-name equipment for the Histology Laboratory due to lifecycle replacement and upgrades. The Histology laboratory is expanding services and requires a higher level of automation in-order-to keep up with the demanding workload. The laboratory s existing infrastructure is already configured to Leica systems as we currently utilize Leica microtomes, stainer and processor. Additionally, the consumables currently used in microtomy practice are compatible with the Leica brand and would prefer to continue otherwise laboratory results may be compromised or delayed. Maintaining standardization in our laboratory is paramount to provide continuity of care, timely results and diagnosis, and decrease training needs. Upgrading our existing Leica equipment will provide improved turn-around times and lead to a more cost-effective means to process tissues for the pathologist to detect cancer at the cellular level. General Requirement: The Lebanon VA Medical Center Histology laboratory requires the brand-name Histology equipment and accessories listed below: Deliverables: Description Qty HistoCore PELORIS 3 110V Dual Retort TP 100-110 V/50-60 Hz 1 HistoCore I-Scan Kit 1 Spaced Basket Kit 1 HistoCore AUTOCUT Microtome, Configuration 1 with Two-in-One Blade holder 1 Foot switch for rotary microtomes 1 Power Cord USA 15 AMP 1 Bond-III Processing Module 1 Bond PM Add Kit - US 1 NXT 1500 VA Line Conditioned On Line UPS 1 HistoCore Spectra ST - High Throughput Routine & Special Stainer 1 Racks, 30 slides, pack of 3 3 Rack hanger, slide rack30, light blue 3pcs 2 Kit Cover plate for Cuvettes (pack of 3) 1 Power Cord USA - 20 AMP 2 HistoCore Spectra CV 1 HistoCore Spectra Workstation Kit 1 Training and Installation: The contractor shall provide vendor led, on-site instrumentation training at the time of on-site installation and be coordinated with the Point of Contact for the following equipment: HistoCore Peloris 3 Dual Retort, HistoCore Specra St & CV and Bond III Stainer. Warranty of Equipment: Contractor must provide manufacturer(s) warranty on all provided equipment and supplies for first year. Delivery: Delivery of equipment shall be made to: Lebanon VA Medical Center (Attn: Warehouse), 1700 South Lincoln Avenue, Lebanon, PA 17042. Delivery shall occur within 30 days of contract award and in coordination with the Point of Contract (POC). Delivery shall be made during normal Lebanon VAMC warehouse business hours excluding all federal holidays. Lebanon VAMC warehouse business hours are Monday Friday, 7:00 am 11:30 pm and 12:30pm 3:00pm. Federal holidays are: New Year s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, President s Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
