P03 VISN 4 Censitrac Software and Support JA_Redacted.pdf

CensiTrac Subscription and Support - VISN 04 VA-23-00009444 software solution is able to interface with the Censis equipment which would not allow for tracking to occur in VISN 4 without a complete replacement of all existing Censis equipment. Therefore, the use of any other ITS solution would require all new instrument tracking equipment, an upfront cost estimated at $500,000. This estimate of duplicative cost is based on previous acquisition history. Additionally, any alternative ITS would also require additional initial resource training for the VISN, estimated at $100,000. These costs are based on the initial deployment of the previous solution for VISN 04 and would not be recovered through competition. Finally, any alternative ITS would require a new interface with VA Electronic Health Record as well as an Authority to Operate in the VA network which is estimated to take 6-12 months. Since VISN 4 can not operate without an ITS, VA would be required to maintain the existing solution until a new alternative solution was deployed, further duplicating costs. Failure to renew CensiTrac software directly impacts patient care since the ITS solution is the only efficient automated method to track and verify correct and completed sterilization status for VISN 4 medical, dental and surgical instruments. Without an automated ITS solution, there would be a significant delay or cancellation of medical services throughout the VISN which would directly negatively impact patient health.

6. Efforts to Obtain Competition: Market research was conducted, details of which are in the market research section of this document. This effort did not yield any additional sources that can meet the Government’s requirements. There is no competition anticipated for this acquisition. In accordance with FAR 5.201, this action will be synopsized on the Contracting Opportunities Page. Any proposals received shall be evaluated.

7. Actions to Increase Competition: The Government will continue to conduct market research to ascertain if there are changes in the marketplace that would enable future actions to be competed.

8. Market Research: The Government’s technical experts conducted market research in August 2022 by reviewing acquisition history and performing various searches for CensiTrac software and North American Industry Classification System 541519.

Searches included Small Business Administration, Federal Procurement Data System and Vendor Information Pages (VIP) database at www.VIP.VetBiz.va.gov.

In an Analysis of Alternatives completed by the National Real Time Location System (RTLS) Program Management Office in 2022, subject matter experts conducted web based research ofITS vendors that might provide alternative solutions to VHA’s current CensiTrac System. The RTLS subject matter experts reviewed solutions from Surgical Safety Scanner, Steris, Synergy Health, Aesculap, Keir Surgical, McKesson Corporation and TgX Medical Systems. It was determined that none of the alternative solutions could integrate and interface with the existing Censis equipment already in use throughout VISN 4. Each solutions would require new equipment to be purchased, education and training for all clinical staff, as well as a new interface to VA Electronic Health Record as detailed in Section 5 of this justification.

Censis Technologies Inc. was contacted on July 12, 2022, to obtain confirmation CensiTrac has no authorized resellers. Mr. Ankush Kaul, President of Censis Technologies, Inc., confirmed the same day that all versions of CensiTrac are protected and proprietary trade secret products and services registered with the United States Patent and Trade Office. As such, no other entity may sell, market, implement, or instruct the use of CensiTrac without the express written consent of Censis Technologies, Inc. and currently Censis Technologies, Inc. is the sole authorized provider of CensiTrac for the North American market.

The Contract Specialist conducted market research in September 2022 utilizing National Aeronautics and Space Administration Solutions for Enterprise-Wide Procurement V Government-wide Acquisition Contract Provider Lookup Tool. The research revealed that there are no resellers of CensiTrac brand name products.

9. Other Facts: None

10. Technical and Requirements Certification: I certify that the supporting data under my cognizance, which are included in this justification, are accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

11. Fair and Reasonable Cost Determination: I hereby determine that the anticipated price to the Government for this contract action will be fair and reasonable based on comparison with historical prices paid and comparison to the Independent Government Cost Estimate.

12. Procuring Contracting Officer Certification: I certify that this justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Approval

In my role as procuring activity Advocate for Competition, based on the foregoing justification, I hereby approve the acquisition of brand name CensiTrac software subscriptions with maintenance and support, on an other than full and open competition basis pursuant to the statutory authority cited in Section 4 above, subject to availability of funds, and provided that the property and services herein described have otherwise been authorized for acquisition.

Date: ____________

11/23/22