Sole Source Ventilated Cage_Redacted IVC OKC.pdf

This is a Justification and Approval (J&A) document for a sole source procurement by the Department of Veterans Affairs, Oklahoma City VA Medical Center (Acquisition Plan Action ID: 36C24E-27-AP-0020).

The contracting activity seeks to procure Individually Ventilated Cage (IVC) systems for rats and mice through the RPO-E research acquisition team. The procurement is a one-time, firm-fixed-price new contract for IVC racks, bedding dispensers, and associated components to support ongoing and future VA-funded research. Funding is provided through a LAMb grant awarded specifically for acquiring this equipment from the designated vendor, Allentown. The requirement includes two IVC racks for mice (160 cages each) and two IVC racks for rats (70 cages each), plus one FlexFlow bedding dispenser and numerous compatible components (640 micro barrier tops, 640 plastic feeder trays, 640 cages, 340 cardholder units, 280 external bottle tops, 280 wire bar lids, 280 rat cages, 160 rat cardholder units, four Sentinel Media Holder kits, and installation services). The statutory authority for sole source procurement is invoked under 41 USC §3304(a)(1) (Only One Responsible Source). The justification demonstrates that Allentown is the only manufacturer capable of providing equipment fully compatible with the VMU's existing 21 ITC racks and approximately 2,600 cage assemblies due to proprietary specifications, unique stacking lugs, Air Kup configurations, Edstrom EZ-Lock watering mechanisms, and rear KUP seal dimensions. The VA LAMb grant was awarded based on the use of Allentown IVC equipment and approved through competitive scientific merit review. Market research confirmed no other suppliers can meet the Government's specific veterinary research requirements or provide equipment compatible with existing systems. No other sources expressed written interest in the acquisition. Pricing was evaluated as fair and reasonable based on established commercial pricing and consistency with prior Allentown purchases.