P03 - RFO FAR 12 Sole Source Justification - 36C263-27-AP-0518 - FINAL_Redacted.pdf

This document is a Sole Source Justification under simplified procedures for commercial products and services in accordance with RFO FAR 12.

The Department of Veterans Affairs, through the Iowa City VA Health Care System, seeks a firm-fixed-price contract for Brand Name Only Abbott Affinity m reagents and consumables required to operate an existing Abbott Affinity m analyzer in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine. The requirement consists of one base year (10/01/2026 – 09/30/2027) and three one-year option periods (through 09/30/2030), with an estimated total value of $748,477.20 ($187,119.30 annually). Abbott Laboratories Inc., the sole manufacturer and distributor, is the only identified source capable of providing compatible products. The acquisition uses simplified procedures under RFO FAR 12.201-1, citing 41 U.S.C. 1901 as statutory authority for restricting competition based on Only One Responsible Source under RFO FAR 6.103-1.

Market research was conducted through a Sources Sought Notice (36C26326Q1059, posted August 24 – September 3, 2026) and a subsequent Notice of Intent to Sole Source (36C26326Q1062, posted September 3 – 14, 2026), with no alternate sources identified. Additional searches of SBA databases, SAM, GSA eLibrary, and the VA NAC CCST tool yielded no competitive alternatives. The principal barrier to competition is compatibility with the existing Government-owned Abbott Affinity m analyzer; equal products from other manufacturers would not operate on this platform. Abbott's open-market pricing is stated as more advantageous than pricing through its VA NAC Federal Supply Schedule contract (36F79724D0201), with prices remaining firm throughout the four-year period. The contracting officer will document final price analysis and fair and reasonable pricing determination prior to award.