Erie VAMC SON.docx

Statement of Need: KCI V.A.C. Ulta Therapy Unit Erie VAMC (562) Date Needed: 8-22-2022

Background: The Department of Veterans Affairs, Erie VA Medical Center, has a BRAND NAME ONLY requirement for three (3) KCI V.A.C. Ulta Therapy Unit wound vac systems. Many Veterans requiring wound vac therapy at the Erie VA have been transferred from the Pittsburgh VA to the Erie VA for post-operative care and close follow up. The Veterans receive KCI V.A.C. Ulta Therapy Unit wound vac therapy while at the Pittsburgh VA and are expected to receive the same level of care upon arrival to the Erie VA.

Unfortunately, this continuity of care has not been possible with the generic alternative wound vac the Erie VA currently uses. This generic alternative of the wound vac that the Erie VA has been using is substandard. For a wound vac to be effective in healing a wound it must be able to hold continuous suction. This is why wound vac therapy is referred to as negative pressure wound therapy. The goal in negative pressure wound therapy is to heal the wound from the inside out by drawing out drainage and bringing the edges of the wound together. The generic alternative of the KCI wound vac was used on multiple Veterans at the Erie VA who were being followed for post-operative care.

Unfortunately, the generic alternative of the KCI wound vac did not hold continuous suction effectively, with the suction often fluctuating throughout the day although set at a continuous setting. This lack of continuous suction caused excess moisture to gather in and around the wound, resulting in damage to the wound and surrounding skin. In some cases, this excess moisture became a breeding ground for bacteria and the patient was diagnosed with acute infection, requiring IV and oral antibiotic therapy. The generic alternative of the KCI wound vac has caused poor outcomes for these post-surgical patients and has contributed to costly setbacks in their post-operative healing. Therefore, the Erie VA is requesting this Brand Name Only requirement for KCI V.A.C. Ulta Therapy Unit for the continuation of continuity of care.

Brand name only requirement (Requires a J&A or LSJ sole source document):

CAPULTDEV01/US.S

Training and Installation Training and Installation not required.

Security and Privacy Control Contract Security: This contract is for equipment only. Contractor will have no access to VA sensitive information or IT systems; therefore, no VA Security Training is required.

Delivery:

All items must be FOB Destination, 30 Days ARO, to the following location:

Erie VA Medical Center Attn: Distribution Center 135 E. 38th Street Erie, PA 16504

Monday – Friday from 8:00am – 4:00pm