36C24125Q0299.docx

INTENT TO SOLE SOURCE TO SOLE, OEM-AUTHORIZED SMALL BUSINESS DITRIBUTOR

GENERAL INFORMATION

SET-ASIDE

Providence VAMC

830 Chalkstone Ave

Providence RI

CONTACT INFORMATION

VAMC Bedford

200 Springs Road Bedford MA 01730

POINT OF CONTACT*

Contract Specialist Gillian Miller gillian.miller@va.gov

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

AGENCY’S URL

URL DESCRIPTION

Presolicitation Notice Presolicitation Notice

DESCRIPTION

Page 1 of

Presolicitation Notice

INTENT TO SOLE SOURCE: GOVERNMENT SCIENTIFIC SOURCE INC, THE TISSUE-TEKLABAID ULTRA II CABINET.

PURCHASEREQUISITION:650-25-2-7821-0004:Thisisnotarequestforcompetitiveproposals. Thisisnotasolicitationorrequestforoffers.Nosolicitationpackageisavailableandtelephone requests will not be honored.

TheDepartmentof VeteransAffairsatVAMCProvidence RIintendsto award aOne-Time, Firm FixedPrice,SoleSourcecontractfortheprocurementofone(3),TheTissue-TekLabAidUltraII CabinetstoGovernmentScientificSourcesInc,thesoleTissueTekdistributorfortheTissue-Tek Lab Aid Ultra II Cabinets. The Tissue-Tek Lab Aid Ultra II Cabinets, includes the following accessories,installation,andprogrammanagementrequiredforsuccessfulimplementationof this Lab Aid Cabinet system for VAMC Providence. Government Scientific source is a small business (SB).

ITEM

VAMCProvidencehasstandardizedtotheTissueTekLabAidUltraIICabinets.Theyrequire(3) additional Tissue Tek Lab Ultra Aid II Cabinets to accommodate the volume of samples for required the lab processes.Tissue Tek is required to maintain fit, function, and form of the TissueTekcabinetsinexistence.ThereisoneOEMauthorizedSB(SmallBusiness)distributor:

GovernmentScientificSourceInc.TheLB(largebusiness)OEMSakuraFinetekhasprovideda solesourcedistributorletterindicatingthatGSSIncisthesole-authorizeddistributorintheUS.

DeterminationofthissolesourceprocurementisinaccordanceFAR13.5SimplifiedProcedures forCertainCommercialItems.ThestatutoryauthorityforapplyingtheSimplifiedProceduresfor Commercial Items of FAR13.5is 41U.S.C.§ 1901and isimplemented byFAR13.106-1(b)(2) for restricting competition on this procurement. Competition is restricted because it is the Governmentsbeliefthatthereisonlyoneresponsiblesource,andnoothersuppliesorservices will satisfy agency requirements.

Theintentistoprocuretheservicesmentionedaboveonasolesourcebasis.Nosolicitationwill be posted to Contract Opportunities. The primary North American Classification System Code (NAICS)is337127(InstitutionalFurnitureManufacturing):generalpurposehospital,laboratory, and dental furniture manufacturing. The most current Business Size Rating for this NAICS is 1000employees.

Capablepartiesmayidentifytheirinterestsandauthorizationtorespondtothisrequirement by March 11th, 2025, at 16:00 PM (EDT).

DEPARTMENTOFVETERANSAFFAIRS

FAR8–JustificationforLimitingSources (LSJ) For LimitingSources(<SAT)

AcquisitionPlanActionID:36C241-25-AP-1550

1. ContractingActivity:DepartmentofVeteransAffairs,VISN1PVAMC(ProvidenceVA MedicalCenter) 2237:650-25-2-7851-0004

2. DescriptionofAction:TheTissue-TekLabAidUltraIICabinet.Orderagainst:

FSSContractNumber:GS-07F-5934R NameofProposedContractor:

GovernmentScientificSource,IncStreetAddress:

12351SunriseValleyDrive,Reston, Virginia20191 (800)248-8030* (703)734-1805

3. Description of Supplies or Services:The Tissue TekLab Aid Ultra II Cabinets, large capacity universal storage unit for slides and blocks with security features. Sturdy steel construction ensures long-term use and includes a drawer lock guaranteeing specimen safety.Theconvenientremovabletraysaccommodateupto76,800microscopeslidesor28,160 blocks withthe ability tobesecuredto wall forsafetyandtoprevent injury. His model mustbepurchased to match/standardize to existing cabinets in the Lab at PVAMC.

Theestimatedvalueoftheproposedactionis$15,921.00.

4. Authority:

OrderAgainstFSS:AuthorityoftheMultipleAwardScheduleProgram,TitleIIIoftheFederal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 (41 USC 251, et seq.); Title 40 USC 501, ServicesforExecutiveAgencies;andSection803oftheNationalDefenseAuthorizationActof 2002 (PL 107-107) and implemented byFAR 8.405-6.Mark the applicable exception:

Anurgentandcompellingneedexists,andfollowingtheprocedureswouldresultin unacceptable delays(FAR 8.405-6(a)(1)(i)(A);

Onlyonesourceiscapableofprovidingthesuppliesorservicesrequiredatthelevelof qualityrequiredbecausethesuppliesorservicesare uniqueorhighlyspecialized; (FAR8.405-6(a)(1)(i)(B));

Intheinterestofeconomyandefficiency,thenewworkisalogicalfollow-ontoan originalFederalSupplyScheduleorderandtheoriginalorderwasplacedinaccordance with the applicable Federal Supply Schedule ordering procedures. (FAR 8.405-6(a)(1)(i)(C)); or

Page 1 of Items peculiar to one manufacturer. An item peculiar to one manufacturer can be a particularbrandname,product,orafeatureofaproduct,peculiartoonemanufacturer). A brand name item, whether available on one or more schedule contracts, is an item peculiartoonemanufacturer (FAR8.405-6(b)).TissueTekisproprietaryand exclusiveto the LB (large business) OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer), Sakura Finetek.Sakura Finetek has provided a sole distributor letter, designating Government Scientific Source Inc., anSB(SmallBusiness) as the sole, OEM-authorized, FSS Holder, distributor to the GovernmentunderGSAFSSContract:TissueTekisproprietaryandexclusivetotheLBOEM.

5. Rationale/explanationto support cited authority::Providence has standardized to the TissueTekLabAidUltraII Cabinets.They require (3) additional Tissue Tek Lab Ultra Aid II Cabinets toaccommodate the volume of samples for required the lab processes.Tissue Tek is required to maintain fit, function, and form of the Tissue Tek cabinets in existence. ThereisoneOEMauthorizedSB(SmallBusiness)distributor:GovernmentScientificSource Inc.TheLB(largebusiness)OEMSakuraFinetekhasprovidedasolesourcedistributorletter indicating that GSS Inc is the sole-authorized distributor in the US.

Recommendations:The recommended strategy is a single source award to the sole,OEM-authorizedSBdistributor, Government Scientific Source Inc., IAW FAR 8.405-6(b)(1). There is only one (1) manufacturer, the OEM Sakura Finetek; one (1) source GSS, authorized to distribute the required Tissue Tek Lab Aid Ultra IICabinets, viaFSSContract: GS-07F-5934R, under MAS (Multiple Award Schedule NAICS 337127.IAW FAR 8.404(d), FSS pricinghas beendeemed to be fair and reasonable.Procuring through GSS via the FSS Schedule is expected to provide the best value to the Government.

6. BRANDNAMEONLY:PVAMCrequirestheTissueTekLabAidUltraIICabinet,productcode3990.

7. NotethatthisdeterminationsatisfiestherequirementsofFAR8.405-6.The requirementtoprepareawrittenjustificationIAWFAR6.303doesnotapplytoFederal Supply Schedules.

THOMAS

)DEIDRA

Digitally signedbyDEIDRATHOMAS

Page 1 of Page 1 of Date:2025.03.04 14:52:28-05'00'

DeidraThomas ContractingOfficer VAMCWhiteRiverJunctionVT,NC01RPOE

Page 1 of

STATEMENTOFWORK

SCOPEOFWORK:TheContractorshallprovide.3TissueTekLabAidUltraIIcabinets, Product code3990.

1. EQUIPMENT,Tissue Tek Lab Aid Ultra II Cabinets, large capacity universal storage unit for slidesandblockswithsecurityfeatures.Sturdysteelconstructionensureslong-termuseandincludes a drawer lock guaranteeing specimen safety.The convenient removable trays accommodate up to 76,800 microscope slides or 28,160 blocks with the ability to be secured to wall for safety and to prevent injury.

2. SALIENTCHARACTERISTICS

TheContractorshallprovideafullyfunctionalsystemthatmeetsthefollowingcharacteristics:

SalientCharacteristics

Product Tissue-Tek LabAid Ultra™

II

name Cabinet Product code Application Dimensions Storageofslidesandformalinfixed paraffin embedded tissue blocks 23.6(W)x29.5(D)x43.3(H) inches 59.5(W)x71.3(D)x110.0(H) cm

4.7(W)x12.0(D)x 1.3(H)inches 11.9(W)x30.5(D) x3.3(H)cm With lid:

4.8(W)x12.2(D)x 1.8(H)inches 12.2(W)x31.0(D) x4.6(H)cm

2. AREASTOBESERVICED

(oneorallasnecessary andappropriatetothiscontract)

Department of Veterans Affairs ProvidenceVAMedicalCenter,Lab

830ChalkstoneAve Providence,RI02908

3. INSTALLATIONNA

4. TRAININGNA

5. INSPECTIONANDACCEPTANCE

a) TheContractorshallconductajointinspectionwiththeCORupondeliveryofequipment.

b) Contractorshallprovidedatesofcompletionofpunchlistitemsandreplacementparts and/or short ship items from the manufacturer(s).

c) TheCORshallensureallworkiscompletedsatisfactorilypriortoacceptance.Disputes shall be resolved by the Contracting Officer.

d)

6. WARRANTY

a) Thecontractorshallprovideaoneyearmanufacturer’swarrantyonallpartsandlabor.

b) The warranty shall include all travel and shipping costs associated with any warrantyrepair.

7. TASKFREQUENCYANDINSTRUCTIONS

The work set forth in the Scope of Work shall becompleted in a single visit, be it a single day or multipledaysasrequiredforappropriatecompletion.Allworkistobescheduledinadvancewith the COR.

Equipment delivery shall not precede installation by more than 20 days. Installation and implementation must be immediately followed by clinical user training including “go live” support. Implementation and integration with VistA CPRS shall not exceed 90 days from date ofaward.

8. SPECIALWORKREQUIREMENTS

The Contractor shall comply with any and all Infection Control Risk Assessment requirements deemedappropriatebytheProvidenceVAMedicalCenterduringallportionsoftheworksetforth in the Scope of Work.

The Contractor must comply with security, privacy, and safety issues in accordance to VA standards, policies, and directives set forth at all times while providing the work outlined in the Scope of Work.

9. PROPERTYDAMAGE

Thecontractorshalltakeallnecessaryprecautionstopreventdamagetoanygovernmentproperty. The contractor shall report any damages immediately and shall be assessed current replacement costs for property damaged by the contractor, unless corrective action is taken.Any damaged material (e.g. trees, shrubs, lawn/turf, curbs, gutters, sidewalks, etc.) will be replaced in a timely mannerorcorrectedbythecontractorwithlikematerials,atnoextracosttothegovernment,upon approval of the Contracting Officer.

10. ATTACHMENTS

None.

11. IDENTIFICATION,PARKING,SMOKING,CELLULARPHONEUSEANDVAREGULATIONS

The contractor's employees shall wear visible identification at all times while on the premises of the VA property.It is the responsibility of the contractor to park in the appropriate designated parkingareas.InformationonparkingisavailablefromtheVAPolice-SecurityService.TheVA willnotinvalidateormakereimbursementforparkingviolationsofthecontractorunderanycon- ditions.SmokingisprohibitedinsideanybuildingsattheVA.Cellularphonesandtwowayradios arenottobeusedwithinsixfeetofanymedicalequipment.Possessionofweaponsisprohibited. Enclosed containers, including tool kits, shall be subject to search.Violations of VA regulations mayresultinacitationanswerableintheUnitedStates(Federal)DistrictCourt,notalocaldistrict state, or municipal court.

12. COMPLIANCEWITHOSHABLOODBORNEPATHOGENSSTANDARD

ThecontractorshallcomplywiththeFederalOSHABloodbornePathogensStandard. Thecontractor shall:

A. Have methods by which all employees are educated as to risks associated with blood borne pathogens.

B. Have policies and procedures which reduce the risk of employee exposure to bloodborne pathogens.

C. Havemechanismsforemployeecounselingandtreatmentfollowingexposuretoblood borne pathogens.

D. Provide appropriate personal protective equipment/clothing such as gloves, gowns, masks, protective eyewear, and mouthpieces for the employee during performance of thecontract.

13. INFORMATIONSECURITYLANGUAGE

14. RecordsManagementLanguageforStatementofWork(SOW):

The following standard items relate to records generated in executing the contract and should be included in a typical procurement contract:

Citations to pertinent laws, codes, and regulations such as 44 U.S.C chapters 21, 29, 31 and 33; Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552); Privacy Act (5 U.S.C. 552a); 36 CFR Part 1222 and Part 1228.

Contractor shall treat all deliverables under the contract as the property of the U.S. Government forwhichtheGovernmentAgencyshallhaveunlimitedrightstouse,disposeof,ordisclose such data contained therein as it determines to be in the public interest.

Contractor shall not create or maintain any records that are not specifically tied to or authorized by the contract using Government IT equipment and/or Government records.

Contractor shall not retain, use, sell, or disseminate copies of any deliverable that contains informationcoveredbythePrivacyActof1974orthatwhichisgenerallyprotectedbythe Freedom of Information Act.

Contractor shall not create or maintain any records containing any Government Agency records that are not specifically tied to or authorized by the contract.

TheGovernmentAgencyownstherightstoalldata/recordsproducedaspartofthiscontract.

TheGovernmentAgency ownstherightsto allelectronicinformation(electronicdata, electronic information systems, electronic databases, etc.) and all supporting documentation created aspartofthiscontract.Contractormustdeliversufficienttechnicaldocumentationwithall data deliverables to permit the agency to use the data.

Contractor agrees to comply with Federal and Agency records management policies, including those policies associated with the safeguarding of records covered by the Privacy Act of 1974. These policies include the preservation of all records created or received regardless of format [paper, electronic, etc.] or mode of transmission [e-mail, fax, etc.] or state of completion [draft, final, etc.].

No disposition ofdocuments will beallowed without thepriorwritten consent oftheContracting Officer. The Agency and its contractors are responsible for preventing the alienation or unauthorizeddestructionofrecords,includingallformsofmutilation.Willfulandunlawful destruction,damageoralienationofFederalrecordsissubjecttothefinesandpenalties imposed by 18 U.S.C. 2701. Records may not be removed from the legal custody of the Agency or destroyed without regard to the provisions of the agency records schedules.

Contractor is required to obtain the Contracting Officer's approval prior to engaging in any contractualrelationship(sub-contractor)insupportofthiscontractrequiringthedisclosure of information, documentary material and/or records generated under, or relating to, this contract.TheContractor(andanysub-contractor)isrequiredtoabidebyGovernmentand Agency guidance for protecting sensitive and proprietary information