REQUST FOR INFORMATION New Desktop Labeling Equipment Page 2 of 2 This is NOT a solicitation announcement. This is ONLY a Request for Information to gain knowledge of potential qualified sources and their size classification relative to NAICS 333993. Responses to this announcement will be used by the Government to make appropriate acquisition decisions along with historical data on similar projects, and other knowledge to make informed acquisition decisions. The information identified above is intended to be descriptive, not restrictive. It is the responsibility of the interested source to demonstrate to the government that the interested parties can provide equipment needed to support the operational needs of the Lancaster CMOP. Responses should include company name, address, point of contact, size of business pursuant to the following questions: Please indicate the size status and representations of your business, such as but not limited to: Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), Veteran Owned Small Business (VOSB), Hubzone, Woman Owned Small Business (WOSB), Large Business, etc.)? Does your company have a FSS contract with GSA, VA NAC, VA SAC, NASA SEWP, or any other federal contract, that can be utilized to procure the requirement listed above? If so, please provide the contract number. Are you the manufacturer, distributor, service provider, or an equivalent solution to the equipment? Is the equipment in use in the industry or in development? Where is it in use? What are your capabilities by showing clear, compelling, and convincing evidence that you can provide the equipment described and meet the expected throughput? Request For Information Scope It is the desire of the VA CMOP to develop an improved manual process with the assistance of upgraded printers and/or other emerging technologies to increase the labeling rate to eliminate the labeling bottlenecks as Tote Order volumes grow in the future. The VA is looking for solutions that will fit within the current confines of the existing labeling stations (tabletop equipment) and provide a minimal impact solution to the overall Tote Line Operation. The VA CMOP is averse to robotic technologies or high-end automation that will require additional order consolidation, modifications to the dispensing areas, or major renovations to the labeling areas. Basically, solutions that will not entail large changes to the current operations. Current Labeling Steps and Time Matrix The current labeling process is as follows: The operator manually pulls a tote from the conveyor line. The operator places the tote over an RFID reader and the patient order information appears on the screen. The operator selects each item in the tote one by one. The operator scans the selected item s manufacturer barcode. The label printer prints a flat patient label for the item. The operator scans the printed patient label. The operator manually manipulates the label to carefully flag the label and place the label on the item. The operator places the item back into the tote. The operator repeats until all required items are labeled. The operator places the tote back onto the main conveyor loop. The current labeling performance rate is 300 to 350 labels per hour per station. The single most time-consuming element of the process is the manual flagging and placement of the label. The following table illustrates the steps and the time associated with each step: Proposed Performance Enhancements The steps for the improved labeling station are dependent on the amount of time a label can be placed on a box or vial. The steps should be the same until steps 5 and 6. All suggested improvements will be considered. The operator manually pulls a tote from the conveyor line. The operator places the tote over an RFI reader and the patient order information appears on the screen. The operator selects each item in the tote one by one. The operator scans the selected item s manufacturer barcode. The label printer prints a flagged patient label for the item and scans the label as it is printed. (If it can preprint the labels for the contents of the Tote, then present them when the barcode is scanned on the pharmaceuticals it would reduce the time for printing) Affixing the label can be accomplished by bringing the label to the product OR the product to the label. The operator manually places the label on the item (label to product) or the label is presented to the operator at a fixed location and then the operator places the item to the label. Or any other means and method. The operator places the item back into the tote. The operator repeats until all required items are labeled. The operator places the tote back onto the main conveyor loop. Expected Performance Rates The expected performance rate would be approximately 550 to 600 labels per hour per station. The table below illustrates the anticipated time elements for the improved labeling station. Product Dimensions The product dimensions will vary greatly for box size as well as bottle or vial size. all labels must be able to be placed on all products regardless of the size. All questions and responses should be sent to Contracting Specialist Larry Zaritz at larry.zaritz@va.gov, NLT March 5th 2025 at 10:00 am cst. Workstation Pictures and Dimensions at Dallas CMOP Side view of two labeling workstations Operator view of labeling workstation Workstation Dimensions: 48 x 24 x 34 Labeling Area Future Layout at Dallas CMOP
