SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE - RFI CRYOCART.pdf

SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE / REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI)

Department of Veterans Affairs - Office of Acquisition—NCO 22 Place of Performance: Southern Arizona VA Health Care System (SAVAHCS) Tucson, Arizona

Subject: Sources Sought – MVE CryoCart, Brand Name Only

Manufacturer: MVE Biological Solutions Manufacturer Part Number: 14448703 Quantity: One (1) Each

NAICS: 334516/423490

Notice Type: Sources Sought / Request for Information

Set-Aside: To Be Determined

Response Deadline: November 24, 2026, 12PM EST

Contracting Office: Office of Acquisition - RPO West NCO 22

Point of Contact: Sabrina Schofield, Contracting Officer

Email: Sabrina.Schofield@va.gov

1. Purpose

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Office of Acquisition—NCO 22, is conducting market research to identify qualified businesses capable of providing one (1) MVE CryoCart, Manufacturer Part Number 14448703 for the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System (SAVAHCS) in Tucson, Arizona. The requirement is specifically for the MVE Biological Solutions CryoCart, Part Number 14448703.

This requirement is for a brand-name-only MVE CryoCart. No substitutions or alternative products will be accepted.

The purpose of this Sources Sought Notice is to determine the availability and capability of interested vendors, including Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs), Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (VOSBs), and other small business concerns, to furnish the specified equipment.

This notice is issued solely for market research and acquisition planning purposes and is not a solicitation or request for quotations.

mailto:Sabrina.Schofield@va.gov

2. Background and Requirement

The Southern Arizona VA Health Care System Research Service requires an MVE CryoCart to support the safe handling, temporary storage, and transportation of biological research samples maintained at cryogenic temperatures.

The CryoCart provides a portable cryogenic workbench that allows laboratory personnel to transfer biological specimens between liquid nitrogen storage systems while minimizing exposure to temperature fluctuations that could compromise sample integrity.

The required equipment incorporates a liquid nitrogen transfer connection equipped with a ball valve and pressure relief safety valve, providing an important safety feature for cryogenic operations.

Research Service has identified the MVE CryoCart, Part Number 14448703, as its required equipment. Alternative brands, models, or substitute products will not be considered.

3. Required Product Specifications

The required equipment shall be:

MVE CryoCart – Manufacturer Part Number 14448703

The equipment shall include the following manufacturer-specified features:

1. Portable cryogenic workbench designed for biological sample handling and transport.

2. Must provide liquid nitrogen capacity of approximately 33–40 L to support extended operational use.

3. Must maintain holdover performance of at least 18–24 hours with lid closed and approximately 8 hours with lid open.

4. Must be constructed with durable materials and designed for safe maneuverability;

lighter weight is preferred to reduce operator strain.

5. Must include integrated monitoring features such as thermocouple sensors, digital readouts, or equivalent modern interface capability.

6. Must provide standard user features including magnetic cover and casters for ease of handling.

7. Must include an LN₂ hose connection that allows controlled, closed-system filling.

This feature is preferred for safety, as it minimizes splash risk, reduces operator exposure, and supports safer LN₂ transfer procedures.

8. Mobile configuration suitable for laboratory use.

Brand Name Only: MVE Biological Solutions, Part Number 14448703. No substitutions, alternative manufacturers, or equivalent products will be accepted.

All equipment shall be new and supplied with applicable manufacturer documentation.

4. Vendor Capability Information

Interested vendors shall provide the following information:

1. Company name, physical address, telephone number, website, and point of contact.

2. Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and CAGE Code.

3. Business size classification under NAICS 334516.

4. SBA VetCert certification status, if applicable, identifying SDVOSB or VOSB status.

5. Confirmation of the ability to supply the exact MVE CryoCart, Part Number 14448703.

6. Documentation demonstrating authorization to distribute or resell the specified MVE product.

7. Identification of the product’s country of manufacture.

8. Estimated delivery lead time following receipt of an order.

9. Information regarding applicable manufacturer warranties and technical support.

10. Any applicable federal contract vehicle through which the product is available.

Vendors shall clearly identify the manufacturer and part number in their responses.

5. Small Business Considerations

The Government is particularly interested in identifying SBA-certified SDVOSBs and VOSBs capable of supplying the specified equipment.

Responses will assist the Contracting Officer in evaluating the availability of qualified sources and determining the appropriate acquisition strategy in accordance with applicable Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Veterans Affairs Acquisition Regulation (VAAR) requirements.

Interested small-business respondents should identify whether they are the manufacturer or a nonmanufacturer/distributor and provide relevant information demonstrating compliance with applicable nonmanufacturer rule requirements. The Buy American statute, applicable FAR provisions, and the nonmanufacturer rule apply.

BUSINESS SIZE AND SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS

Interested vendors shall identify their business size and socioeconomic classification under NAICS Code 334516.

Respondents shall identify whether they qualify as:

• SBA-certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB)

• SBA-certified Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB)

• Small Business

• Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB)

• HUBZone Small Business

• Small Disadvantaged Business

• 8(a) Business Development Program Participant

• Large Business

SDVOSB and VOSB respondents shall provide sufficient information for the Government to verify their current certification through the SBA Veteran Small Business Certification Program (VetCert).

The Government will independently verify applicable socioeconomic status and eligibility.

6. Response Instructions

Interested vendors shall submit a capability statement demonstrating their ability to provide the exact brand-name equipment specified in this notice.

Responses shall include the requested company information, product availability, and supporting documentation.

Vendors are encouraged to provide a nonbinding budgetary price estimate or approximate price range for acquisition planning purposes.

Pricing information is requested for market research only and shall not constitute a formal quotation or binding offer.

Response Deadline: November 24, 2026, 12PM EST Submission Email: sabrina.schofield@va.gov

Email Subject: Sources Sought – MVE CryoCart – SAVAHCS Research Service mailto:sabrina.schofield@va.gov

7. Disclaimer

This Sources Sought Notice is issued for informational and market research purposes only.

It does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP), Request for Quotation (RFQ), or commitment by the Government to award a contract.

The Government will not reimburse respondents for costs incurred in preparing or submitting responses.

Responses will be used to assist the Government in determining the appropriate acquisition strategy. The Government reserves the right to determine whether a subsequent solicitation will be issued.

END OF SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE