P03 JOFOC TUG Robots_Redacted.pdf

VHAPG Part 808.405-6 Limiting Sources Page 1 of 4 Revision: 02 Effective Date: 03/02/2026 Acquisition ID#: 36C261-26-AP-4185

LIMITED SOURCES JUSTIFICATION

ORDER >SAT

FAR PART 8.405-6

Acquisition Plan Action ID: 36C261-26-AP-4185

JOFOC TRACKER ID: FY26 - NCO 21 - 1790

(1) Contracting Activity: Department of Veterans Affairs, Regional Procurement Office West (RPOW), Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 5, Health Service Area (HSA) 52, Network Contracting Office (NCO) 21, VA Southern Nevada Healthcare Center.

2237: 593-26-4-163-0085

(2) Description of Action: This acquisition is conducted under the authority of the Multiple-Award Schedule Program (41 U.S.C. 152(3) and 40 U.S.C. 501). This is a sole source action to acquire seven (7) T3 TUG robots manufactured by Aethon Inc and fourteen (14) cart bases created by Lakeside Manufacturing purchased through Aethon automated inpatient Veteran meal delivery IAW FAR 8.405.

Order against: FSS Contract Number: 36F79724D0104

Name of Proposed Contractor: ST ENGINEERING AETHON, INC.

Street Address: 200 BUSINESS CENTER DRIVE

City, State, Zip: CRAFTON, PA 15205

Phone: 412-322-2975

(3) Description of Supplies or Services:

The estimated value of the proposed action is

This is a new, single-award firm-fixed-price delivery order that will be issued directly to Aethon, as Aethon is the sole source provider for the T3 TUG robots and is coordinating the procurement of Lakeside cart bases to ensure compatibility and integration with VA meal delivery systems. The contract will include option years for monthly maintenance, technical support, and licensing for each TUG robot, all at a fixed price, to ensure these robots remain fully operational, up-to-date, and compliant with VA requirements throughout the life of the contract.

The purpose of this procurement is to enhance automation and efficiency in inpatient meal delivery for Veterans at our facility by integrating mobile robotic technology with existing cart infrastructure. This approach will enable secure, timely, and accurate delivery of meals while

VHAPG Part 808.405-6 Limiting Sources Page 2 of 4 Revision: 02 Effective Date: 03/02/2026 Acquisition ID#: 36C261-26-AP-4185 improving workforce utilization within Nutrition and Food Service. The base contract covers the purchase and installation of the TUG robots and cart bases, while the option years cover the ongoing maintenance, support, and annual licensing needed to sustain reliable operations. There are no unpriced options associated with this contract. This justification supports only this specific purchase, and the contract is being awarded as a firm-fixed-price contract with priced options for ongoing maintenance and support.

This action incorporates four (4) annual option years for licensing and support.

Period of Performance (estimated):

BASE: 09/01/2026- 08/31/2027

Option Year 1: 09/01/2027- 08/31/2028 Option Year 2: 09/01/2028- 08/31/2029 Option Year 3: 09/01/2029- 08/31/2030 Option Year 4: 09/01/2030- 08/31/2031

(4) Identify the Authority and Supporting Rationale (see below and if applicable, a supply or service.

FAR 8.405-6(a)(1)(A): An urgent and compelling need exists and following the ordering procedures would result in unacceptable delays:.

FAR 8.405-6(a)(1)(B): Only one source is capable of providing the supplies or services required at the level of quality required because the supplies or services are unique or highly specialized; Aethon is the only company that makes the T3 TUG robots with the technology and features needed to deliver meals efficiently to our inpatients. The TUG robots work with special cart bases that are only available through Aethon as well. No other vendor can provide a system that handles current meal volume, fits workflow, and integrates with current carts and facility. Additionally, the Aethon robots are the only known items that are compatible te and retrofit easily with existing carts.

FAR 8.405-6(a)(1)(C): In the interest of economy and efficiency, the new work is a logical follow-on to an original Federal Supply Schedule order provided that the original order was placed in accordance with the applicable Federal Supply Schedule ordering procedures. The original order must not have been previously issued under sole source or limited source procedures.

FAR 8.405-6(b): Items peculiar to one manufacturer:

A patent, copyright or proprietary data limits competition. The proprietary data is: