RAIR HD Super Mouse Micro-Isolator system redacted_Redacted.pdf

Attachment 1: Request for Sole Source Justification Format >SAT

VHAPG Part 806.3 OFOC Revision: 04 Effective Date: 12/15/25 Acquisition ID#:

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

Justification and Approval (J&A) For

Other Than Full and Open Competition (>SAT)

Acquisition Plan Action ID:_

Contracting Activity: Department of Veterans Affairs, VISN 07, Ralph H Johnson VA Medical Center, requests the procurement of RAIR HD Super Mouse Mirco-Isolator System systems for rats and mice through the RPO-E research acquisition team. The associated 2237 transaction number is

1. Nature and/or Description of the Action Being Approved: This supports a new firm-fixed-price open-market contract to procure RAIR HD Super Mouse 750 Micro-Isolator Systems for the Ralph H. Johnson VAMC Animal Research Facility.

This follow-on purchase is necessary to maintain compatibility with existing RAIR equipment. A sole-source, brand-name award to Lab Products, LLC is justified because the RAIR HD Super Mouse 750 and its proprietary airflow/manifold are exclusively manufactured and serviced by Lab Products. No other vendor produces or distributes these components, and competing IVC rack systems are incompatible with the facility�s current RAIR cages and related parts. The RAIR HD Super Mouse 750 system is a proprietary, highly specialized unit essential for maintaining AAALAC-accredited, OLAW-compliant, and IACUC-approved housing conditions within the VA Animal Research Facility.

2. Description of Supplies/Services Required to Meet the Agency�s Needs

The Department of Veterans Affairs requires the procurement of one RAIR HD Super Mouse 750 Micro-Isolator System to provide compliant, controlled, and biosecure housing for rodent colonies used in VA-approved biomedical research at the Ralph H.

Johnson VAMC Animal Research Facility (Station 534). This ventilated cage rack system is essential for maintaining stable, HEPA-filtered environmental conditions necessary for research in neuroscience, diabetes, cardiovascular injury, infectious disease, oncology, and aging.

The acquisition includes:

� Complete RAIR HD Super Mouse 750 Micro-Isolator Rack System � Proprietary RAIR airflow/manifold/blower assembly � HEPA supply and exhaust filtration modules � Rack runners, frame components, and environmental control assemblies � All standard accessories required for full operational functionality � Manufacturer installation, calibration, and environmental validation

Revision: 04 Effective Date: 12/15/25 Acquisition ID#:

� On-site training for VA vivarium staff � Standard manufacturer warranty and support Estimated value: Total firm-fixed-price contract value is Compliance requirements:

This equipment is necessary to meet national standards and regulatory frameworks governing VA animal research operations, including VA Handbook 1200.07, the NIH Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, OLAW/PHS Policy, IACUC-approved protocols, and AAALAC accreditation standards. These authorities require consistent environmental conditions, HEPA-filtered housing, validated biosecurity, and proper engineering controls, all of which are supported by the RAIR HD Super Mouse 750 system.

3. Statutory Authority Permitting Other than Full and Open Competition:

(X ) (1) Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements per 41 USC §3304(a)(1) as implemented by

RFO 6.103-1;

( ) (2) Unusual and Compelling Urgency per 41 USC §3304(a)(2) as implemented by RFO 6.103-2;

( ) (3) Industrial Mobilization, Engineering, Developmental or Research Capability or Expert Services per 41 USC §3304(a)(3) as implemented by RFO 6.103-3;

( ) (4) International Agreement per 41 USC §3304(a)(4) as implemented by RFO 6.103-4

( ) (5) Authorized or Required by Statute per 41 USC §3304(a)(5) as implemented by RFO 6.103-5;

( ) (6) National Security per 41 USC §3304(a)(6) as implemented by RFO 6.103-6;

( ) (7) Public Interest per 41 USC §3304(a)(7) as implemented by RFO 6.103-7;

4. Demonstration that the Contractor�s Unique Qualifications or Nature of the Acquisition Requires the Use of the Authority Cited Above (applicability of authority): The RAIR HD Super Mouse 750 Micro-Isolator System and its patented airflow/manifold are proprietary and manufactured solely by Lab Products, LLC, with no compatible alternatives. The VA vivarium already uses RAIR systems, and maintaining environmental consistency and regulatory compliance (AAALAC, OLAW, IACUC, VA standards) requires procurement of the same equipment. Other manufacturers� systems are incompatible and would disrupt validated environments, require full cage replacement, jeopardize research and accreditation, and cause significant cost duplication and delays.

Therefore, Lab Products, LLC is the only responsible source capable of meeting the agency�s requirements.

5. Description of Efforts Made to ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential sources as possible (including whether a notice was or will be publicized as required by RFO Part 5 and, if not, which exception under RFO

Revision: 04 Effective Date: 12/15/25 Acquisition ID#:

Part 5 applies): Market research was conducted and no other responsible sources were identified that can meet the Government�s specific veterinary research requirements. Based on these findings, the Government determined that the required equipment is available only from a single source.

6. Determination by the CO that the Anticipated Cost to the Government will be

Fair and Reasonable: The proposed pricing has been evaluated and determined to be fair and reasonable. This determination is based on the vendor�s established commercial pricing and consistency with prior purchases of comparable equipment.

No information indicates that the pricing is excessive or unsupported

7. Description of the Market Research Conducted and the Results, or a

Statement of the Reasons Market Research Was Not Conducted: Market research and outreach were conducted to identify any sources capable of providing the RAIR HD Super Mouse 750 Micro-Isolator System or a compatible alternative.

Efforts included reviewing mandatory Government sources, Veteran-owned small business listings, industry data, and available IVC system manufacturers. This procurement falls under 41 U.S.C. §3304(a)(1), Only One Responsible Source, because the required equipment is brand-name, proprietary, and solely manufactured by Lab Products, LLC, with no compatible alternatives available.

8. Any Other Facts Supporting the Use of Other than Full and Open Competition:

The RAIR HD Super Mouse 750 Micro-Isolator System and its proprietary airflow/manifold assembly are exclusively manufactured and serviced by Lab Products, LLC, with no technical alternatives available.

The proprietary design, required compatibility with existing RAIR systems, and the need to maintain validated research environments and regulatory compliance (VA, NIH, OLAW, IACUC, AAALAC) justify use of FAR 6.302-1. Transitioning to a different system would require replacing cages, revalidating environmental conditions, retraining staff, updating SOPs, and would disrupt research, risk accreditation, and create significant duplication of cost and delays.

Market research found no domestic or non-domestic sources capable of meeting VA�s requirements. Specifications cannot be developed for full and open competition without compromising proprietary information or losing necessary compatibility.

9. Listing of Sources that Expressed, in Writing, an Interest in the Acquisition:

No written Interest has been received