Attachment A 36C10G26Q0041.docx

Sources Sought Notice Sources Sought Notice

1.0 DESCRIPTION

THIS IS A SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE ONLY. This is not a solicitation for bids, proposals, proposal abstracts, or quotations. The Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) Strategic Acquisition Center (SAC) is issuing this Sources Sought Notice as a means of conducting market research to identify qualified sources with the capability and the resources to meet the Veterans Health Administration’s (VHA) Non-Expendable Equipment National Program requirement for Brand Name Only Boston Scientific EXALT Controllers (Part Number: M00542430).

The Government’s intent is to procure Boston Scientific EXALT Controllers as the only acceptable solution. Salient Characteristics are provided solely for respondents who believe they have an equal product that meets or exceeds these characteristics. The Government does not anticipate alternatives but will review submissions for informational purposes.

The SAC in conjunction with VHA is seeking a qualified source to supply brand name Boston Scientific EXALT Controllers on an agency-wide basis. VA intends to award a single Requirements Contract with Firm-Fixed Price (FFP) orders IAW FAR 16.503, Requirements Contracts, to a supplier of this equipment. This requirement is for delivery of Boston Scientific EXALT Controllers to VA medical centers and facilities throughout the United States.

The anticipated period of performance is for one 12-month base period with four 12-month option periods.

The applicable NAICS code is 339112 – Surgical and Medical Instrument Manufacturing, with a size standard of 1,000 employees.

The FAR Provision found at 52.204-7 requires that “The Offeror shall have an active Federal Government contracts registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) when submitting an offer or quotation.” You may access the SAM website at SAM.gov | Home. All SDVOSB/VOSB offerors must be verified in the SBA database at: https://veterans.certify.sba.gov/#search at the time of submission.

Submissions for this “sources sought” shall be submitted by email no later than the due date and time listed in the announcement to Anthony.Zibolski@va.gov. Email responses shall include the following Subject Line: “Response to Sources Sought Notice 36C10G26Q0041”.

This notice is for planning purposes only and does not constitute a commitment on the part of the Government to award a contract, nor does the Government intend to pay for any information submitted as a result of this notice. This Sources Sought Notice is part of a continuous process for obtaining the latest information on the commercial status of the industry with respect to their current and near-term abilities.

The information provided herein is subject to change and in no way binds the Government to solicit for, or award, a competitive contract. It is emphasized that this is a notice solely for planning and informational purposes. Respondents are advised that the Government is under no obligation to acknowledge receipt of the information received or provide feedback to respondents with respect to any information submitted. The Government may or may not issue a solicitation as a result of this notice. There is no solicitation available at this time.

2.0 SCOPE OF WORK

The VHA Equipment Life Cycle Management (ELCM) Program identified the Boston Scientific EXALT Controller as a candidate for a VA-wide (otherwise referred to as “national”) single award Requirements contract.

The Boston Scientific EXALT Controller (part number M00542430) is a proprietary device manufactured by Boston Scientific. This controller is essential for operating the EXALT Model D single use duodenoscopes already available under a separate VA agencywide contract vehicle (36C24123A0008). The Boston Scientific EXALT Controller is not a standalone medical device but rather the processing and control unit that enables a compatible single-use endoscope to function clinically, converting signals from the scope into a viewable, adjustable image and supporting lighting and capture during procedures.

The Boston Scientific EXALT Controller provides critical functionality, including:

· Video Processing & Display: It receives video signals from a Boston Scientific single-use endoscope, processes those signals, and outputs live endoscopic images to an external monitor so the clinician can visualize inside the patient during procedures.

· Light Control: It controls the illumination light (LED) at the tip of the endoscope, including brightness levels, which is essential for proper visualization of the anatomy.

· Image Capture Interface: The controller interfaces with external image capture systems, allowing integration with recording or documentation equipment used in endoscopy suites.

· Support for Endoscopic Diagnosis and Treatment: It is intended for use during endoscopic procedures (diagnostic and therapeutic), enabling visualization that guides the clinician.

The type of controller required for this program have been identified as most advantageous to the Government to be incorporated into a national Requirements Contract. The salient characteristics (SC) for these commercial items are identified in the NX EQ Duodenoscope Image Product Description.

Number Description

If your firm believes an equal product exists, the following Salient Characteristics (SCs) will be considered:

For each product (brand name and part number), the response must include descriptive literature demonstrating the product meets or exceeds the salient SC specified above.

The Government's intent is to include all ancillary items to ensure the equipment can function as designed by the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and as required. Respondents are encouraged to provide any product solution or configuration so long as they meet the salient characteristics.

Additionally, responses can include any additional product that may be beneficial.

These items must be clearly identified by brand name and part number.

3.0 RESPONSE INSTRUCTIONS

Responses to this Sources Sought Notice shall include the following:

1. Full name and address of company.

1. SAM Unique Entity Identifier (UEI).

1. Business Size.

1. Manufacturer or Distributor:

3. If distributor, provide full name, business size and address of manufacturer.

3. If distributor, provide evidence that your firm is an authorized distributor for the manufacturer of the products proposed.

1. Country of Origin designation for all products proposed.

1. Ability to provide uninterrupted supply of products on a national scale.

1. Technical Literature that clearly shows product(s) meets the exact brand and model identified, or salient characteristics if you’re proposing an equal product with page numbers where each salient characteristic is met.

1. Does respondent offer an annual service plan, Yes or No?

7. If Yes:

0. What does the plan cover?

0. Does plan cover software updates only?

0. Does the plan cover parts repair or replacement only?

0. Does the plan cover both software and parts?

7. Respondent is requested to provide documentation that shows information on their service plan.

7. Is the service provided by the OEM or a subcontractor?

1. Any additional product solution or configuration that would be beneficial to the functionality of the product line identified.

1. Item pricing information of products, inclusive of flat rate shipping. Include any quantity discounts, noting at what level of quantity ordered should the Government expect tiered price reductions, if any.

9. NOTE: In order for the Contracting Officer to determine whether a set-aside can be pursued, it is essential to provide pricing information. Without this information, the Contracting Officer will be unable to assess whether there is a reasonable expectation of receiving fair and reasonable pricing from socio-economic concerns.

1. Does your firm have any subcontracting opportunities for this equipment?

1. Identify any federal contracts vehicles held by your firm that provides this equipment.

1. Are there any further standards or criteria, to include salient characteristics and subfactors, VA should consider in a procurement action for this equipment?

1. Are the Government’s specifications unduly restrictive?

1. Any additional information the Government should know prior to issuing a solicitation.

Sources Sought Notice