P03_ Single Source Justification AP_2497.pdf

VHAPG Part 813.106 Simplified Acquisition Procedures: Soliciting from a Single Source Single Source Justification for MPT up to SAT

Revision: 02 Effective Date: 12/30/2025 Page 1 of Acquisition ID# 36C241-26-AP-2497

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

Justification for Single Source Awards IAW FAR 13.106-1 For

Over Micro-Purchase Threshold but Not Exceeding the Simplified Acquisition Threshold

Acquisition Plan Action ID: 36C241-26-AP-2497

1. Contracting Activity: Network Contracting Office 1, Regional Procurement Office East on behalf of the Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Integrated Services Networks (VISN) 1, on behalf of West Haven VA Medical Center 950 Campbell Avenue West Haven, CT 06516-2770. Funding 689-26- 3-9613-0033.

2. Brief Description of Supplies/ Services required and the intended use/Estimated Amount: This is a new, sole source requirement. West Haven VA Medical Center is looking to acquire a complete digital upgrade package for the Blackrock Microsystems NeuroPort intracranial electrophysiology system, which includes the 256-channel NeuroPort NSP hardware upgrade with Gemini NSP and Gemini Hubs, multiple NeuroSnap Splitter Boxes for channels 1–192, NeuroSnap Branch Adapters to integrate with Natus Quantum and CereStim, a 128-channel NeuroSnap Headstage Bridge, two 32-channel A8 headstages compatible with Ad-Tech depth electrodes, a CerePlex A-series digital amplifier, and long-term extended warranty and advanced replacement coverage for both the NeuroPort system and existing CereStim units. These supplies replace the soon-to-be-discontinued analog components and provide all required hardware to maintain full compatibility with ongoing intracranial PTSD research for West Haven VA Medical Center. This equipment is being solely manufactured and distributed by OEM Blackrock Microsystems, UEI: JNDKU5RMVAT4 30 Komas Dr., Suite 200 Salt Lake City, UT 84108-1229. Estimated Amount $135,500.00.

3. Unique characteristics that limit availability to only one source, with the reason no other supplies or services can be used: The VA CT Healthcare System requires a system upgrade for its Blackrock Microsystems NeuroPort EEG system previously acquired under contract number 36C24121P1032 in 2021 to continue critical intracranial electrophysiology research. Blackrock Microsystems is discontinuing support for the analog system, making this upgrade essential for ongoing research and data continuity. The required upgrade can only be supplied by Blackrock Microsystems because the NeuroPort intracranial electrophysiology system is a highly specialized, proprietary platform whose components—including headstages, splitter boxes, amplifiers, electrode interfaces, and software architecture—are uniquely engineered to function as an integrated system. The existing analog NeuroPort equipment is being discontinued, and only Blackrock’s digital hardware is compatible with the Government’s current infrastructure, existing research datasets, and years of custom-developed analysis pipelines that rely on Blackrock’s proprietary APIs and recording specifications.

No other vendor can provide components that maintain compatibility with Ad-Tech clinical depth electrodes, existing Blackrock bridges and headstages, or the required integration with Natus Quantum clinical EEG. Switching to an alternate manufacturer would result in loss of data continuity, invalidation of prior research, substantial duplication of cost estimated at $500,000–$600,000, and unacceptable delays that jeopardize ongoing PTSD intracranial recording protocols. Additionally, only technicians authorized by Blackrock are permitted to service or maintain the system, and no third-party products or services are compatible with or authorized for the required upgrade. For

VHAPG Part 813.106 Simplified Acquisition Procedures: Soliciting from a Single Source Single Source Justification for MPT up to SAT

Revision: 02 Effective Date: 12/30/2025 Page 2 of Acquisition ID# 36C241-26-AP-2497 these reasons, small business OEM Blackrock Microsystems is the only responsible source capable of meeting the Government’s technical, operational, and scientific requirements.

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

The Contracting Activity initiated comprehensive market research to determine the availability of Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs) and other small businesses capable of fulfilling the requirement for this Pupillometer.

The first step was a search of the SBA database using NAICS code 334510 (Electromedical and Electrotherapeutic Apparatus Manufacturing) with a filter for SDVOSB certification. This general search generated a broad pool of 430 SDVOSB contractors associated with this NAICS code.

However, this only established the potential for SDVOSB involvement at the NAICS category level and did not confirm capability or authorization to distribute the specific brand and model of evacuation chair required.

The SBA DSBS database was queried twice, the first time using NAICS 334510 along with the keywords “Blackrock.” This targeted search yielded 1 small business profiles that matched the search criteria, the manufacture BLACKROCK MICROSYSTEMS, INC (UEI: JNDKU5RMVAT4) who is the sole source for this equipment.

The second SBA DSBS search used the keyword ‘NeuroPort’ together with NAICS 334510 and returned 11 small businesses, none of which are authorized to provide Blackrock equipment.

A subsequent search using the keyword “NeuroPort” along with NAICS 334510 under Awarding Office 36C241 in the ADDS UP system and identified 9 contract actions for purchases of the NeuroPort System and other specialized neurotechnology equipment all purchased from small business Blackrock Microsystems, Inc.

A GSA search with the keyword “Blackrock” identified 2 scheduled contractors, Blackrock Strategy LLC and Black Rock Powder Company, neither of which was the manufacture Blackrock Microsystems, Inc.

Market research has identified only one small business that is capable of providing the required EEG System, the NAICS code being used for this requirement (334510) is not covered by a Non- Manufacturer Rule (NMR), however the manufacture is a small business. This will be sole sourced to the OEM. Only one responsible source— Blackrock Microsystems, Inc — can provide the required upgrade, as their proprietary hardware, software, and electrode interfaces are uniquely compatible with the existing infrastructure.

5. Contracting Officer's Certification: Purchase is approved in accordance with FAR 13.106-1(b). I certify that the foregoing justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Phillip Crockett

Date

PHILLIP CROCKETT Digitally signed by PHILLIP CROCKETT Date: 2026.06.16 12:51:39 -04'00'