P03. JA Sole Source 36C26323P0308 IA Cty VITEK Supplies_Redacted.pdf

Last Updated: 02/01/22 Page 1 of 1

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

Justification for Single Source Awards IAW FAR 13.106-1

For Over Micro-Purchase Threshold but Not Exceeding the SAT ($250K)

Acquisition Plan Action ID: 36C263-23-AP-1007

1. Contracting Activity: Department of Veterans Affairs, Network 23 Contracting Office, 1303 5th St.

Suite 300, Coralville, IA 52241.

Organizational Activity: Iowa City VA Health Care System, 601 Highway 6 West, Iowa City, IA 52246-

2. Brief Description of Supplies/ Services required and the intended use/Estimated Amount:

This procurement is for VITEK 2 and VITEK MS System brand name microbial identification and susceptibility testing cards, reagents, controls, consumables and validating supplies.

3. Unique characteristics that limit availability to only one source, with the reason no other supplies or services can be used:

Estimated amount:

The VITEK System test cards and other required items are proprietary to the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), VITEK (BioMerieux). The OEM has provided this office with sole source letters stating the same. The OEM has no authorized distributors.

The VA Medical Center currently owns and utilizes the VITEK testing system which can only utilize the testing cards and supplies of the Original Equipment Manufacturer. Switching the entire VITEK testing system for another brand of testing equipment would cause duplication of costs not expected to be recovered by competition. Therefore, the brand-name items requested are essential to the requirement and preclude the use of a different brand.

4. Description of market research conducted and results or statement why it was not conducted:

Market research conducted: Discussions with the VA Mission Partners to clarify and confirm the brand-name character they attributed to this requirement. Phone conversations with the OEM to clarify they have no authorized distributors. A past procurement was reviewed further confirming the sole source character of the required items. The OEM has provided sole source letters to this office.

5. Contracting Officer's Certification: Purchase is approved in accordance with FAR13.106-1(b). I certify that the foregoing justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Joseph Bennett Date Contracting Officer

JOSEPH

BENNETT

Digitally signed by

JOSEPH BENNETT

Date: 2023.01.17 22:24:52 -06'00'

1/17/23