Brand Name 07.14.pdf
PDF 173 KB Posted
- Attached to
- CAGE and RACK WASHER - CINCINNATI Federal contract opportunity
- Solicitation number
- 36C25026Q0733
About this file
This is a Brand Name or Equal Justification document for a simplified acquisition by the Department of Veterans Affairs, Network Contracting Office 10, supporting the Cincinnati Veterans Medical Center. The procurement seeks to replace a Cage Rack Washer Sterilizer for the research department's animal research vivarium. The acquisition plan action ID is 36C250-26-AP-4117. The requirement was identified following an American Association for Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC) review on March 27, 2026, which recommended equipment replacement, and was confirmed by the VA Office of Research Oversight on April 16, 2026, with direction to replace the equipment immediately to prevent loss of accreditation.
The justification for single-source procurement centers on the LYNX washer model's unique compatibility with the existing vivarium space, utilities, and physical infrastructure. The LYNX system features knock-down modular construction enabling installation through standard doorways in restricted-access facilities, along with specialized oscillating high-impingement spray systems, insulated cabinet construction, safety interlocks, and PLC-controlled cycle configuration integral to current research operations. Substituting alternative manufacturers' equipment would necessitate significant building modifications, utility connection changes, facility validation reprocessing, staff retraining, and potential research disruption. Market research identified seven Small Disadvantaged/Veteran-Owned Small Business vendors through SBA databases using NAICS 333310, but zero results for specific cage rack washers. The procurement will be competed as a Brand Name or Equal Small Business set-aside, with the original manufacturer being a large business supported by multiple small business distributors, allowing the SBA Rule of Two to be achieved.
View the file
Other files for this federal contract opportunity
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| Questions 36C25026Q0733.docx | DOCX document | |
| 36C25026Q0733 0001.pdf | ||
| Lynx Cage Rack Washer SOW.docx | DOCX document | |
| Lynx Cage Rack Washer Salient Characteristics.docx | DOCX document | |
| 36C25026Q0733 07.14.pdf | ||
| SOW 07.14.docx | DOCX document |
On GovTribe
Work with this file on GovTribe
- Download the original file
- Contacts named in this file
- Similar government files
- Ask GovTribe AI about this file
Text version
VHAPG Part 813.106 Simplified Acquisition Procedures: Soliciting from a Single Source Attachment 1: Brand Name or Equal
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
Brand Name or Equal Justification IAW RFO 12.102
For
Over Micro-Purchase Threshold but Not Exceeding the Simplified Acquisition
Threshold
Acquisition Plan Action ID: 36C250-26-AP-4117
1. Contracting Activity: Department of Veterans Affairs, Network Contracting Office 10
2780 Airport Dr, Suite 340
Columbus, OH 43219
Cincinnati VAMC
3200 Vine St
Cincinnati, OH 45220
2237: 539-26-3-460-0253
2. Brief Description of Supplies/ Services required and the intended use/Estimated Amount:
This is a Brand Name or Equal request for the Cincinnati VAMC to replace the Cage
Rack Washer Sterilizer for the research department in support of Animal research. On
March 27th, 2026, there was an American Association for Accreditation of Laboratory
Animal Care (AAALAC) review in which it was recommended that we replace our equipment. On April 16th, 2026, the VA Office of Research Oversight (ORO) confirmed the AAALAC finding and it was suggested that we replace the equipment immediately to prevent future corrective actions that could result in the loss of accreditation,
3. Unique characteristics that limit availability to only one source, with the reason no other supplies or services can be used:
LYNX washer currently installed and operational within the vivarium. This model is the only unit compatible with the existing space, layout, utilities, and physical infrastructure. Replacing the existing washer with a different make or model would likely require significant modifications to the building structure, utility connections, and surrounding workspace, due to the unique dimensional, mechanical, and installation characteristics of LYNX systems. The LYNX washer is designed with knock-down modular construction that allows installation through standard doorways and tight facility spaces—an important factor in vivarium environments with restricted access and fixed architectural limitations.
Revision: 02
Effective Date: 12/30/2025 Page 1 of 2
Acquisition ID#
VHAPG Part 813.106 Simplified Acquisition Procedures: Soliciting from a Single Source
Attachment 1: Brand Name or Equal
The oscillating high-impingement spray system, insulated cabinet construction, safety interlocks, and PLC-controlled cycle configuration are integral to current research operations and align with facility validation and workflow requirements. Introducing a different manufacturer’s system would require facility renovations, workflow revalidation, staff retraining, and possible downtime that could disrupt research operations and animal care standards, in addition to adding cost.
4. Description of market research conducted and results or statement why it was not conducted:
Searched SBA SBS using NAICS 333310, and located 7 SD/VOSB vendors.
Added key words “Cage Rack Washer”, and there were 0 vendors listed. Searched
AddsUp and there were several procurements matching a similar description including 36C25623P1673 and 36C25622P11. Was not able to locate similar items listed on GSA or VA NAC. OEM is a Large Business with several Small Business distributors. The VA Rule of Two is not attainable, but SBA Rule of Two can be achieved. This procurement will be competed as a Brand Name or Equal , Small
Business set-aside.
File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .