Single Source Justification MPT to SAT Leica HistoCore BIOCUT Microtome 2_Redacted.pdf

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

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: 36C245 – Leica Histocore BIOCUT Manual Microtome

1. Contracting Activity: Department of Veterans Affairs, Network Contract Office 5, Perry Point MD VA

Medical Center located at 101B Boiler House Road Perry Point, MD. 21902 in support of VISN 5, VA Health Care System at the Beckley WV VA Medical Center 200 Veterans Ave. Beckley, WV. 25801 2237 Funding: 517

2. Brief Description of Supplies/ Services required and the intended use/Estimated Amount: This requirement is for the purchase of one (1) Leica Histocore BIOCUT Manual Microtome supporting the pathology department. The instrument is used for precision cutting which produces high quality delivery sectioning of each tissue sample which allows preparation for diagnostic examination by the pathologist. The current instrument is beginning to skip also called chattering and makes uneven tissue cuts which begins to hinder the pathologists ability to conduct efficient examinations. The unit has also reached end of life without the option of repair. The estimated value of this proposed action is $ .

3. Unique characteristics that limit availability to only one source, with the reason no other supplies or services can be used: The requirement is for the purchase one (1) Leica Histocore BIOCUT Manual Microtome which will enable the pathologist to obtain tissue samples supporting the Beckley WV VA Medical Center. The Leica Histocore BIOCUT Manual Microtome is a unique instrument that is a manual instrument while also having an auto advance feature. It also has the ability to section a minimum of 150 blocks daily as well as personalized coarse feed wheel for improved comfort. It provides fast homing in less than a minute as well as an adjustable force balance system which minimizes the risk of injury to the operator or specimen by an unbalanced object head. The Leica has a shortened cleaning time from minutes to seconds with the included antistatic base tray. The Microtome top space is approximately 646 cm2 and is only compatibility with current Leica slide and cassette printers. And it is 100% chatter/fold free slides for diagnosis to minimize recuts, levels, loss of tissues, delay in patient care, and closing the anatomic pathology lab (Note: Pathologists rejected the off brands of microtomes made by Ranker, Mopec and Labtron, see evaluation).

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

In an effort to find capable service-disabled veteran owned small business or veteran owned small businesses, market research was conducted via IGCE, NAC, FPDS, SAM and SBA search. An SBA search discovered there were 234 potential SDVOSB vendors, however the brand name product is not distributed by any SDVOSBs. The service was unsure if domestic end products were available, or if an off brand could meet the need. An RFI 36C24525Q0119 was issued on SAM.gov on 11/21/24 and closed on 11/29/24 and found three capable responses. Two were a non-domestic instrument Leica from Government Scientific Source (small business) and IT Vision Networks Inc (small

VHAPG Part 813.106 Simplified Acquisition Procedures: Soliciting from a Single Source Attachment 1: Single Source Justification for SAP under the SAT business), and one was a domestic product, Mopec from Histology Partners (SDVOSB). The service was provided the findings and advised contracting to proceed towards soliciting as long as the salient characteristics were met. A solicitation was issued as brand name or equal on GSA RFQ 36C24525Q0172 on 12/17/24 and closed on 12/23/24 receiving 1 bid for the domestic product Sakura Finetek from Government Scientific Source (small business). It was provided to the service for review, they advised it was the incorrect product. Another RFQ 36C24525Q0207 was issued on SAM.gov on 1/2/25 and closed on 1/9/25 receiving 27 bid quotes from small business. The service was provided 3 different domestic microtomes for review, and they evaluated that none of the microtomes met the needs of the department. See attached evaluation. Suggestion to solicit this action again as brand name only on SAM as a small business set-aside in accordance with FAR 13.

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.

Theresa M Thomas / Date Contracting Officer