Redacted BN JA - VAPHS SimMan 3G Plus.pdf

VHAPM Part 813.106 Simplified Acquisition Procedures: Soliciting from a Single Source Attachment 1: Single Source Justification for SAP under the SAT

VHAPM Part 813.106 Page 1 of 2 Original Date: 08/30/17 Revision 02 Eff Date: 03/31/2020

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: 36C244-21-AP-4105

1. Contracting Activity: Department of Veterans Affairs, VISN 04, James E Van Zandt VA Medical Center, Altoona, PA 16602. 2237 # 646-21-3-233-0388

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

The VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System is requesting a brand name only purchase of a Laerdal SimMan

3G Plus Manikin, Installation and Training. This purchase will allow for the replacement of existing

SimMan 3G equipment that has exceeded its useful life.

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

The SimMan 3G PLUS Model Manikin is a high-fidelity simulation training aid used for team and individual training and provides advanced critical thinking skills to the medical personnel of the facility. The VAPHS has historically utilized the SimMan 3G for its ease of use, functionality, cost effectiveness and ability to easily train new staff. The current SimMan 3G Manikin the facility utilizes is over ten years old and has surpassed its useful life and technological capabilities. In the past 10 years, Laerdal has made significant technological upgrades to their 3G Manikins with the introduction of the 3G Plus Manikin with increased realism, which enables increased learning and responsiveness during simulation training. One of the advances with the 3G Plus is the ability of the manikin’s face to be manipulated to allow staff to complete an emergent intubation, providing a safe learning environment for the management and treatment of airway loss. Increased realism has proven to be an important factor in creating conducting realistic simulations that are used for training staff in team communications, system communications, system analysis and response to various medical emergencies.

Utilizing a different brand other than Laerdal’s SimMan 3G would result in the expenditure of additional funds, time and training for the VAPHS staff. It would also require the replacement of an existing infrastructure and supplies with an estimated value of over $250,000. Moving away from SimMan equipment would also result in the need to completely retrain the Education staff and to retool their learning materials, instructions manuals, and Standard Operation Procedures (SOPs) so they have the ability to retrain all the other clinicians and staff to maintain required competencies.

VHAPM Part 813.106 Simplified Acquisition Procedures: Soliciting from a Single Source Attachment 1: Single Source Justification for SAP under the SAT

VHAPM Part 813.106 Page 2 of 2 Original Date: 08/30/17 Revision 02 Eff Date: 03/31/2020

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

Market research was conducted by the end user and two other brands of simulators were found to be available, including the HAL S3201 Advanced Multipurpose Patient Simulator and the CAE Apollo.

Each of these mannequins cost significantly more than SimMan 3G Plus and do not provide any additional functionality that would be utilized in the training and education of VAPHS staff or healthcare trainees. The HAL S3201 model cost is approximately $200,000 and would require specialized staff training on its use and maintenance. The CAE model requires specialized gases to function, requiring additional simulation staff training and storage space as well as equipment to capture any gases that escape during simulation. Additionally, with these other two brands, the ability to run “on the fly” or to conduct spontaneous trainings is limited due to the complicated programming requirements required with each. The Laerdal SimMan Manikins are a standard across the VISN 4 network, enabling staff moving from one network facility to another to possess the advantage of already having the training and knowledge to immediately utilize another facility’s simulation equipment.

The manufacturer of the SimMan 3G PLUS is Laerdal Medical Corporation, a large business concern.

Laerdal sells directly to the Government while also utilizing a current network of two authorized distributors to sell their products, Beacon Point Associates and BMK Ventures, both SDVOSB concerns. All installation and training is conducted solely by Laerdal.

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.

Jennifer A. Cutshall, Contracting Officer

One Level Above the Contracting Officer:

Shawn E. Smith, NCO4 Division 2 Chief