Attachment 1 RPO 12 BRAND NAME ONLY Justification SAT-SAP_CO BC r1_Redacted.pdf

Effective Date: 12/30/2025 Revision: 02 Acquisition ID#: 36C257-26-AP-3041

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

SOLE SOURCE JUSTIFICATION UNDER SIMPLIFIED PROCEDURES FOR CERTAIN COMMERCIAL ITEMS IN ACCORDANCE WITH RFO 12.102(b)

BRAND NAME ONLY JUSTIFICATION

Acquisition Plan Action ID: 36C257-26-AP-3041

JOFOC: FY26 – NCO 17 – 1131

1. Contracting Activity: Department of Veterans Affairs, Network Contracting Office 17, located at 5441 Babcock

Rd, Suite 302 San Antonio, TX 78240, in support of Veterans Integrated Services Network (VISN) 17, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, located at 1901 S. 1st Street, Temple, TX 76504.

2. Nature and/or Description of the Action Being Processed: This procurement is for a new firm-fixed price contract utilizing simplified acquisition procedures at RFO 12.201-1 for new equipment. The statutory authority is 41 U.S.C. 1901, implemented by RFO 12.102(b). Central Texas VA Health Care System (CTVHCS) Pharmacy Service has a need to purchase eight (8) additional Pyxis MedStations for use in patient care areas.

The Pyxis MedStation, part of the Pyxis System portfolio, is an automated medication dispensing system that supports decentralized medication management. These systems improve the accuracy and control of medication dispensing and support timely fulfillment of medication orders for patient wards, clinics, and community-based outpatient clinics throughout Central Texas. To ensure continuity of pharmacy services, these additional devices will help make patient medications readily available while enhancing the security and safety of medication dispensing in inpatient settings.

CTVHCS currently owns and leases over 80 Pyxis devices across Temple, Waco, Austin, and all CBOCs. These units are centrally networked on a single Pyxis server platform, and only additional devices from the same manufacturer can integrate with the existing system.

3. Description of Supplies/Services Required to Meet the Agency’s Needs: This procurement is for the acquisition and installation of 8 Pyxis MedStations to work with the Pyxis system that is currently installed and in use. The new Pyxis MedStations will expand the current system to all clinical areas and outpatient clinic areas that were not covered under previous purchases. The additional Pyxis MedStations are needed to ensure accurate dispensing of medication for quality patient care . This procurement supports established

Pharmacy’s drug accountability and inventory management control programs and protocols assisting the

Controlled Substances Inspection Program (CSIP) to ensure an effective control of inventory. The scope of the contract shall include equipment purchase and installation of Pyxis MedStation units.

Qty Part Number Description Item#/SKU

1 MESR2B--0H--0N0U1M0B1V MEDSTATION, ENTERPRISE SERVER

(ES), MAIN, 2DR

4 AES-7--0H--0N3U4M0B0V MEDSTATION, ENTERPRISE SERVER

(ES), AUX, 7-DRAWER

2 AES‑S MEDSTATION, ENTERPRISE SERVER

(ES), AUX,TOWER, SC

1 MESR2B--0H--0N0U2M0B0V MEDSTATION, ENTERPRISE SERVER

(ES), MAIN, 2DR

Acquisition ID#: 36C257-26-AP-3041

4. Statutory Authority Permitting Restricted Competition:

RFO 12.201-1, Simplified Procedures. The statutory authority for applying the simplified procedures for commercial products and commercial service of FAR 12.201-1 is 41 U.S.C. § 1901 and is implemented by FAR

12.102(b) for restricting competition on this procurement. Competition is restricted on this procurement for the reason below:

(X) Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements (Brand Name Only)

( ) Unusual and Compelling Urgency ( ) Industrial Mobilization, Engineering, Developmental or Research Capability or Expert Services ( ) International Agreement ( ) Authorized or Required by Statute ( ) National Security ( ) Public Interest

5. Demonstration that the Contractor’s Unique Qualifications or Nature of the Acquisition Requires the Use of the Authority Cited Above (applicability of authority): Pyxis MedStations are proprietary to BD/CareFusion.

Only the OEM-manufactured equipment can interface with the existing Pyxis ES centralized server currently deployed across CTVHCS. Unique qualifications include BD/CareFusion Pyxis ES MedStations are the only products capable of meeting VA’s requirements.:

• The Pyxis ES platform is a closed, proprietary architecture.

• Only Pyxis MedStations manufactured by BD/CareFusion can connect to the existing server and communicate with the Pyxis ES software and current equipment in use.

• CTVHCS currently owns, leases, and utilizes over 80 Pyxis MedStations that are connected through a central Pyxis server and only equipment manufactured by BD/Carefusion can connect to the server and is interoperable with current equipment that is in use. If a different brand or product was procured, all devices would need to be replaced at an estimated cost of over .

• All firmware, software updates, and Pyxis platform integrations must be performed by BD/CareFusion technicians.

• The unique ability to integrate data from existing Pyxis units help protect medication types at all points of care and deliver the information caregivers need to improve pharmaceutical operations.

• Clinically, Pyxis ES MedStations support required VA medication‑management workflows, including biometric user authentication, pocket‑level security, controlled‑substance handling, CSIP compliance, real‑time transaction documentation, and full synchronization with VA pharmacy information systems. These functions are mandatory for VA nursing units and cannot be replicated by other manufacturers, which do not provide equivalent decentralized, point‑of‑care workflows.

• Operationally, integrating any non‑Pyxis device into the existing Pyxis environment would result in standalone cabinets that cannot communicate with the enterprise server. This would produce unsynchronized inventory, incomplete audit logs, fragmented medication availability data, and disruptions to clinical workflow, directly affecting patient care and violating VA medication‑management requirements.

• Technically, the Pyxis ES platform uses proprietary firmware, configuration protocols, and cybersecurity controls that enable enterprise‑level interoperability across VA facilities. No domestic manufacturer supports these integration standards. Only Pyxis ES MedStations share the required architectural, software, and security characteristics needed to safely expand and operate within the Government’s existing Pyxis ES infrastructure.

Acquisition ID#: 36C257-26-AP-3041

For these reasons, BD/CareFusion is the only responsible source capable of meeting VA’s requirements.

6. Description of Efforts Made to ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential sources as deemed practicable: To ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential sources as practicable, market research was conducted from April 2026 through May 2026, using multiple resources. This research included searches of Small Business Administration’s Dynamic Small Business Search (SBA DSBS), the General Services Administration (GSA) Schedule, the Veterans Affairs (VA) Supply Chain Master Catalog (SCMC), the National Acquisition Center (NAC) Contract Catalog Search Tool (CCST), the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Electronic Catalog (ECAT), the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS), the System for Award Management (SAM), Federal Prison Industries (UNICOR), and AbilityOne, as well as direct contact with the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), BD/CareFusion, and its authorized distributors, Four Points Technology, Veterans Healthcare Supply Solutions (VHSS), MicroTech, and Alvarez LLC.

Based on the results of the market research, this requirement can only be satisfied with BD/CareFusion brand Pyxis equipment. Five vendors are capable of fulfilling the requirement, the OEM, BD/CareFusion, and its authorized distributors, Four Points Technology, VHSS, MicroTech, and Alvarez LLC.

7. Determination by the CO that the Anticipated Cost to the Government will be Fair and Reasonable: The anticipated cost of the purchase order is expected to be fair and reasonable and will be determined through competition and by comparing to previously priced contracts for the same and similar equipment.

8. Description of the Market Research Conducted and the Results, or a Statement of the Reasons Market Research Was Not Conducted: The following market research efforts summarize the steps taken to identify capable sources that could fulfill the requirements of this procurement.

• Direct Vendor Outreach: The Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), BD/CareFusion, was contacted in

April 2026. The OEM confirmed that Pyxis MedStations, the Pyxis ES platform, and all related programming, software integration, and firmware updates are proprietary. BD/CareFusion further confirmed that although authorized distributors may sell new Pyxis MedStations, the OEM works directly with those distributors to ensure that all programming and installation are performed in accordance with BD/CareFusion requirements. The OEM also verified that only Pyxis-brand MedStations can connect to the existing Pyxis ES centralized server currently deployed across CTVHCS. BD/CareFusion confirmed that no other manufacturer produces a medication dispensing system that can integrate with the Pyxis ES server, and replacing the entire installed system to adopt a different platform would exceed in cost and disrupt clinical operations.

• SBA DSBS: A search under NAICS 339112 identified multiple small businesses, however, none were manufacturers of automated medication dispensing systems compatible with the Pyxis ES system. No SDVOSB, VOSB, or other small business was identified that could provide an equivalent system or meet the interoperability requirements for expansion of the existing Pyxis infrastructure.

• GSA: Searches using the terms “Pyxis,” “CareFusion,” and “medication dispensing system” identified no available GSA contract line items containing all required equipment. No interchangeable or compatible alternate brands were identified.

• VA SCMC: Searches using “Pyxis” and “CareFusion” did not reveal any alternate medication dispensing products capable of integrating with the existing Pyxis ES server. No comparable systems were identified that could serve as substitutes.

• NAC CCST: Searches for “Pyxis,” “CareFusion,” and “medication dispensing system” produced no alternate manufacturers or substitute systems. No contract contains all required items.

• ECAT: Searches using the keywords “Pyxis,” “CareFusion,” and “medication dispensing” returned no results for compatible equipment.

• FPDS: Searches for “Pyxis” and “CareFusion” identified prior Government purchases of Pyxis equipment made exclusively to BD/CareFusion or its authorized distributors, confirming the proprietary and non-competitive nature of the system.

• UNICOR: A search for “medication dispensing system” returned no results.

Acquisition ID#: 36C257-26-AP-3041

• AbilityOne: A search for “medication dispensing system” returned no results.

• SAM.gov: Searches using “Pyxis,” “CareFusion,” and “medication dispensing system” did not identify any additional manufacturers or vendors capable of supplying a system compatible with the Pyxis ES platform currently in place at CTVHCS.

• A Sources Sought Notice was not issued for this procurement because it is a brand‑name‑only requirement for BD/CareFusion Pyxis equipment, and recent comprehensive market research has already demonstrated that capable sources are extremely limited to the OEM and its authorized distributors. A review of the prior market research for a similar requirement, 36C24125P0559, showed very few capable sources. A pre‑solicitation Notice of Intent to solicit the OEM and its authorized distributors was posted on SAM.gov from April 14–17, 2025 under 36C24125Q0386, and no responses were received. A subsequent Sources Sought issued from May 1–5, 2025 generated two responses, from Diocles LLC and BHPE LLC, but neither demonstrated capability or OEM authorization. BHPE LLC did not provide the requested information, including an OEM Letter of Authorization or an alternative solution.

Diocles LLC identified its primary business as nitrile glove distribution and did not demonstrate capability to provide, install, upgrade, or service BD Pyxis equipment. An additional Notice of Intent to Sole Source posted from May 21–27, 2025 also received no responses, and the prior procurement ultimately required an individual waiver approved by the Made in America Office on July 24, 2025.These results show that only the OEM or authorized distributors can meet the VA’s operational and interoperability needs, and posting an additional Sources Sought notice for this procurement would not reasonably be expected to identify any new capable domestic sources.

• Additional Market Research: Searches across manufacturing and industry support organizations, using the keywords “medication dispensing system” and “medication dispensing,” including Manufacturing.gov, the Manufacturing Institutes, the International Trade Administration (ITA), the U.S.

Commercial Service, SelectUSA, and Thomasnet.com, did not identify any domestic manufacturer technically capable of meeting the needs of the requirement. In addition to the proprietary nature of Pyxis ES integration, the system requires unique hardware architecture, specialized software configuration, advanced security controls, and enterprise‑level interoperability features that no domestic manufacturer currently produces or supports. As a result, no U.S‑made alternative meets the technical, functional, cybersecurity, workflow, or integration requirements necessary for operation within the Government’s existing Pyxis ES environment.

• The Contract Specialist and Service Point of Contact also reviewed domestic manufacturers to determine whether any U.S.‑made automated dispensing systems could meet the requirement. Generic, non‑proprietary search terms, such as “medication dispensing system” and “medication dispensing” were used across federal procurement databases and general internet searches. While domestic manufacturers such as Omnicell and ScriptPro do produce automated medication dispensing systems, none meet the specific requirements equivalent to the BD Pyxis ES MedStation. No other products integrate with the Government’s existing Pyxis ES infrastructure or support the required clinical workflows, security controls, and technical specifications necessary for safe and effective use. As a result, no domestic alternative is technically acceptable.

• Omnicell’s system design differs significantly from BD/CareFusion’s Pyxis ES MedStation, including alternative hardware layouts such as pick‑to‑light guidance, different drawer/bin configurations, and open‑top designs. Omnicell’s user interface and workflow are not equivalent to Pyxis and require separate training, offering more customization but lacking Pyxis’s standardized, intuitive workflow. As a result, Omnicell systems are not compatible with the current Pyxis environment.

• ScriptPro’s solutions focus on centralized, robot‑driven prescription filling for pharmacies rather than decentralized, point‑of‑care dispensing units deployed at nursing floors like the Pyxis ES MedStation. While ScriptPro’s products provide high‑volume pharmacy automation, it does not offer equivalent nursing‑unit workflows or hospital‑level Electronic Health Record (EHR) integration capabilities required for bedside medication access. Therefore, ScriptPro products do not meet the technical requirements.

9. Any Other Facts Supporting the Use of Other than Full and Open Competition: Per the BD/CareFusion,