Justification-SoleSource-Steris ConnectAssure_V9-signed.pdf

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

Justification for Single Source Awards IAW FAR 13.106-1 For

Over Micro-Purchase Threshold but Not Exceeding the SAT ($250K)

Last Updated 02/01/22 Page 1 of 2

Acquisition Plan Action ID: 486-23-AP-2988

1. Contracting Activity: Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 09, Network Contracting Office (NCO) 9. Purchase requisition: 486-24-1-3000-0003.

2. Brief Description of Supplies/ Services required and the intended use/Estimated Amount: The STERIS (Cantel) Medivators ConnectAssure Technology (CAT) interface platform is a STERIS-provided service solution to help sterile processing departments integrate their Medivators Advantage Plus Automated Endoscope Reprocesssors (AERs) with instrument tracking and sterile processing information systems, such as the Censis ScopeTrac Tracking system which is currently deployed at all VISN 9 medical centers, consisting of 16 sites. The firm-fixed price contract of one base year plus four one- year options of subscription services will facilitate the integration of VISN9’s Medivators AERs to the network and allow scope reprocessing data to continuously flow from our Medivators AERs to CAT where it can then be shared with Censis ScopeTrac for years to come.

Total estimated contract value with options is $144,300.00.

3. Unique characteristics that limit availability to only one source, with the reason no other supplies or services can be used: STERIS is the sole provider of this service offering and does not offer this solution via any third-party distributors. This solution cannot be provided by any other offerors because it contains access to Steris proprietary technology and service offerings. Here is an excerpt of STERIS’ sole source letter:

This letter serves as official notification and verification that Medivators, a STERIS Company, is the original and sole manufacturer and service provider of the STERIS Medivators ConnectAssure Technology (CAT). This includes the CAT software, data services, device interfaces, subscription and service…. As the original manufacturer, STERIS Medivators is the only party/vendor authorized to service the STERIS Medivators ConnectAssure Technology, which is available through STERIS Medivators Service.

If Government were to acquire other than this STERIS middleware software and hardware service, VISN9 facilities would have to replace all their STERIS/Medivators brand AERs and endoscope drying & storage cabinets, rewrite their standard operating procedures in accordance with the replacement brand instructions for use, and retrain personnel in operation, maintenance, and management of the replacement equipment at great cost/expense to VISN9 that would not be recovered through competing this requirement.

4. Description of market research conducted and results or statement why it was not conducted:

Market research, in accordance with FAR Part 10, was conducted by synopsis of the proposed acquisition under a Notice of Intent to Sole Source [36C24923Q0517], advising industry of the pending acquisition and soliciting inquiries from interested parties. The notice ran from 8/4/2023 to 8/15/2023, yielding only one response. That response was from Derrah Morrison Enterprises, LLC

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

Justification for Single Source Awards IAW FAR 13.106-1 For

Over Micro-Purchase Threshold but Not Exceeding the SAT ($250K)

Last Updated 02/01/22 Page 2 of 2

(DME), a SBA-certified service-disabled veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB). Market research also entailed review of the Vendor Information Pages (VIP) database in accordance with VAAR Class Deviation 810.001-70; reviewing the results of recent market research undertaken to meet similar or identical requirements; querying the Government-wide database of contracts and other procurement instruments intended for use by multiple agencies available at www.contractdirectory.gov and other Government and commercial databases like FPDS.gov that provide information relevant to agency acquisitions; and, contacting knowledgeable individuals in Government and industry regarding market capabilities to meet requirements. The results of market research efforts from May 2023 to the present under acquisition plan 36C249-23-AP-2988 found that IAW SBA’s Limitations of Subcontracting rule that only STERIS can provide these software subscription and service offerings as it contains proprietary software, training and service capabilities required to maximize VISN9 facilities use and integration of their STERIS brand AERs with Censis Technologies brand ScopeTrac Tracking system.

Market research also considered Buy American Act requirements finding that STERIS is originally an American company with operations run from Ohio state but has since moved it headquarters for tax purposes to Ireland. They develop and publish all their hardware and software products in the U.S.

and other parts of the world.

5. Contracting Officer's Certification: Purchase is approved in accordance with FAR13.106-1(b). I certify that the foregoing justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

9/25/2023

X Sascha Hertslet, CFCM NCO9, Contracting Officer, Supply East Signed by: SASCHA HERTSLET