Signed Brand Name - Vocera Smartbadges.pdf

AP# 36C259-26-AP-1992

920-05212

Per Device Messaging, Premier Support, Add on (151+Over)

EA

920-05002

Warranty, V5000, Smartbadge, 2-Year

Extension

EA

920-05082

Warranty, V5000, 8-Bay Charger, 2-Year extension

EA

4. Statutory Authority Permitting Restricted Competition:

RFO 12.201-1 Simplified Procedures. The statutory authority for applying the Simplified Procedures for Commercial Items of RFO 12.201-1 is 41 U.S.C. § 1901 and is implemented by RFO 12-102(b) restricting competition on this procurement. Competition is restricted on this procurement for the reason below:

( X ) Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements

( ) Unusual and Compelling Urgency ( ) Industrial Mobilization, Engineering, Developmental or Research Capability or

Expert Services ( ) International Agreement ( ) Authorized or Required by Statute ( ) National Security ( ) Public Interest

5. Demonstration that the Contractor’s Unique Qualifications or Nature of the

Acquisition Requires the Use of the Authority Cited Above (applicability of authority):

Vocera Smartbadge equipment is a proprietary clinical communication technology exclusively designed, manufactured, and controlled by Vocera, a Stryker company. The OEM maintains sole authority over the Smartbadge hardware architecture, embedded firmware, software licensing, encryption functions, and system interoperability. No third party vendors are authorized to produce, service, or supply devices compatible with the Vocera communication ecosystem.

RMR VAMC operates an established Vocera platform that is fully integrated with critical clinical systems including nurse call, Code Blue alerting, secure messaging, and role based workflow assignments. The legacy Vocera B3000n Smartbadges in use have reached end of life and end of support and can no longer be procured or repaired. The Vocera V5000 Smartbadge is the only OEM designated replacement device that preserves compatibility with the existing platform, system integrations, and approved cybersecurity configuration.

Use of an alternate communication system would require full replacement of the current infrastructure and redevelopment of all interfaces, resulting in significant duplication of cost and unacceptable delays due to reconfiguration, staff retraining, and the need for a new cybersecurity authorization to operate. These impacts would disrupt mission critical clinical communications and pose operational risk, thereby limiting this requirement to the OEM.

The earliest possible timeline for system replacement is one year, contingent on the vendor already having the necessary Office of Information Technology (OIT) authorizations for operation on the OIT network. If any approvals must be obtained, such as an Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and Interconnection Security Agreement (ISA), the timeline is pushed out to no less than three years, making replacement an impractical near-term option.

In addition, it would cost approximately $1.5 million to replace the existing smartbadges and an estimated $1 million for server infrastructure, project management, and comprehensive hospital-wide training, totaling an estimated $2.5 million to use an alternative system. Furthermore, Vocera integrates seamlessly with the existing nurse call system. A new system may lack this capability, create operational risk and potentially require costly custom interface development.

6. Description of Efforts Made to ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential sources as deemed practicable:

Sources Sought Notice was posted on Contract Opportunities on February 11, 2026, and closed on February 23, 2026. Also, a Request for Information was posted on NASA SEWP on February 11, 2026, and closed on February 18, 2026. Alvarez LLC and Government Marketing and Procurement LLC can provide the requested requirement.

A solicitation will be posted on the Government Point of Entry (GPE) and include the justification in accordance with RFO 5.201.

7. Determination by the CO that the Anticipated Cost to the Government will be Fair and Reasonable:

The price will be analyzed in accordance with RFO 12.204(a). The Contracting Officer intends to use competition to justify fair and reasonable pricing.

8. Description of the Market Research Conducted and the Results, or a Statement of the

Reasons Market Research Was Not Conducted:

Market Research was conducted by searching the Small Business Administration’s

(SBA) Veteran Small Business Certification Database, SBA’s Dynamic Small Business Database, Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS), System for Award Management (SAM), NASA SEWP, and contacting the large business manufacturer to determine vendors that can provide the required supply. On February 11, 2025, Sources Sought was posted in contract opportunities and Request for Information was posted in NASA SEWP. Alvarez LLC responded to both SAM.gov and NASA SEWP inquiry. On February 18, 2026, Jeffrey O’Hara, Senior Area Sales Manager Federal Contract, confirmed Styker is the manufacturer of the Vocera. Also, he stated that Alvarez & Associates LLC and Government Marketing and Procurement (GMP) are their authorized distributors. GMP responded that they are able to fulfil the requirement.

This requirement has been determined IT equipment and has FITARA approval.

According to RFO 25.103, Information Technology classified as a commercial product is exempt from the Buy American statute. Therefore, the Buy American Act does not apply to this acquisition.

9. Any Other Facts Supporting the Use of Other than Full and Open Competition:

Utilizing the manufacturer’s authorized distributors will maintain the manufacturer’s warranty.

10. Listing of Sources that Expressed, in Writing, an Interest in the Acquisition:

Alvarez LLC, Government Marketing Procurement LLC, and Vocera.

c. VHA Advocate for Competition and RPO HCA Review and Approval: I have reviewed the foregoing justification and find it to be complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief and approve $900K to $90 million for other than full and open competition.