P03-Brand Name SSJ Vocera Messaging_Redacted.pdf

VHAPG Part 813.5 Simplified Acquisition Procedures for Certain Commercial Items Attachment 1: Request for Sole Source Justification Template >SAT $7.5M under FAR13.5

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DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

SOLE SOURCE JUSTIFICATION UNDER SIMPLIFIED PROCEDURES FOR CERTAIN COMMERCIAL

ITEMS IN ACCORDANCE WITH FAR 13.5

Acquisition Plan Action ID:36C249 25 AP 0922

1. Contracting Activity: Department of Veterans Affairs, Network Contracting Office 09, located at 1639 Medical Center Parkway, Suite 204, Murfreesboro, TN 37129 in support of Robley Rex Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC).

Identify purchase request (i.e. 2237): 603 25 2 984 0069

2. Nature and/or Description of the Action Being Processed: The Robley Rex Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) has a new requirement to replace brand name only Vocera messaging equipment system and software. The Vocera messaging is utilized by the patient care team within the VAMC setting to communicate hands free, receive secure text messages, get prioritized alarm and alert notifications, broadcast to groups, initiate and join conference calls, and schedule reminders.

FAR13.5 Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial Items: This procurement is for Brand name only Vocera Messaging communication system to include software updates at the Robley Rex VAMC in accordance with FAR 13.5 Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial Items and specifically

FAR 13.501 Special Documentation Requirements, where acquisitions conducted under Simplified Acquisition Procedures are exempt from the requirements of FAR Part 6, but still requires a justification using the format of FAR 6.303 2.

3. Description of Supplies/Services Required to Meet the Agency’s Needs: The current Vocera messaging system has reached the end of its lifecycle and the manufacturer no longer supports the current equipment and software. The system needs to work within the current electronic infrastructure including the wi fi system and various networks. It is crucial for patient care that the system be operational and current with required firmware and software maintenance updates with minimal downtown during peak hours. These devices are wi fi enabled which allows less noise in communicating within the facilities to medical providers and staff by eliminating the need for the loud public announcements throughout the building.

The Vocera system is a critical component in maintaining patient safety, patient care operations, and other clinical operations. The Vocera system offers the ability for patients, staff, and medical equipment to communicate instantly with clinical staff. The medical equipment interface notifies the clinical staff of alarms and alerts of patient behavior or equipment problems. Clinical staff are often involved in patient care or other activities that limit the ability of staff or patients to communicate with them. Vocera allows the patient, staff, and applicable medical equipment to communicate instantly with the Vocera user anywhere within the facility. The Vocera system also allows the clinical staff to communicate with members of the patient care team or various support services through wireless and hands free technologies. This product directly contributes to patient safety, patient satisfaction, and patient outcomes, especially in emergency situations. This

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technology has emerged as a standard of care for inpatient care among the civilian and government sectors.

4. Statutory Authority Permitting Restricted Competition:

FAR 13.5 Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial Items. The statutory authority for applying the Simplified Procedures for Commercial Items of FAR 13.5 is 41 U.S.C. § 1901 and is implemented by FAR 13.106 1(b)(2) 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): Veteran Healthcare Administration (VHA) and Vocera Communication have a national agreement and Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and Interconnection Security Agreement (ISA) to ensure compliance with the Federal Information Security Modernization Act of 2014 (FISMA 2014), Information Security, Office of Information Technology (OIT), Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), and other regulations. The VHA established a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) between the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Vocera Communication, Inc. to enforce 45 C.F.R. Parts 160 and 164, for the use and disclosure of Protected Health Information (PHI) under the terms and conditions specified below. No other vendor has the MOU agreement with the VHA and only one responsible source and no other supplies will satisfy the agency's requirement.

This procurement requires Federal Information Technology Acquisition Reform Act (FAITARA) approval prior to award due to Information Technology (IT) Product Service Code (PSC) . The Robley Rex VAMC COR has already submitted the information in the Budget Tracking Tool (BTT) and already obtained the FITARA approval 2025 VHA VISN 9 180261 N/A N/A.

The OEM for Vocera Messaging is located at 3030 Orchard Parkway, San Jose, CA 95134. The product is manufactured in the United States and the product meets the Buy American statute.

However, this requirement is categorized under information technology that is a commercial product under FAR 25.103(c), and the Buy American or Trade Agreement does not apply.

The Vocera Messaging is manufacturered by large business Stryker Corp/Vocera Communication.

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code 334210 is listed in the non manufacturer rule (NMR) small business administration (SBA) waiver database dated June 2022.

NAICS code 334210 for item description data communication equipment is exempt from NMR on

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13. Approvals in accordance with the VHAPM Part 806.3 OFOC SOP:

a. Contracting Officer or Designee’s Certification (required): I certify that the foregoing justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

b. One Level Above the Contracting Officer (Required over SAT but not exceeding $750K): I certify the justification meets requirements for other than full and open competition.

c. Branch Chief Concurrence: I Concur/non concur that the justification meets the requirements for exception to fair opportunity.

d. Director of Contracting Concurrence: I Concur/non concur that the justification meets the requirements for exception to fair opportunity.

e. VHA RPO HCA Review and Approval: I have reviewed the foregoing justification and find it to be complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief and approve ($750K to $7.5 million (or $15.0 million for acquisitions described in FAR 13.500(c)) for other than full and open competition.