Justification and Approval for Other Than Full and Open Competition (>SAT)

Document Type: Request for Sole Source Justification

Contracting Activity: Department of Veterans Affairs, VISN 19, Oklahoma City VA Medical Center is procuring Individually Ventilated Cage (IVC) systems for rats and mice through the RPO-E research acquisition team under Acquisition Plan Action ID 36C24E-27-AP-0020.

Procurement Details: This is a one-time, firm-fixed price new contract for IVC racks and related equipment funded through a LAMb grant specifically awarded for acquiring these items from a designated vendor, Allentown. The procurement includes two IVC racks for mice (160 cages each), two IVC racks for rats (70 cages each), one FlexFlow bedding dispenser, and numerous individually priced components such as cage assemblies, barrier tops, feeders, blowers, hose assemblies, and media holders. The total equipment cost and grant amount allocated are redacted in the document.

Statutory Authority: The justification cites 41 USC §3304(a)(1) as the basis for sole source procurement, establishing that only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements.

Rationale for Sole Source: The VMU currently operates 21 Allentown IVC racks with approximately 2,600 cage assemblies that are fully compatible only with Allentown-manufactured components. Equipment standardization is essential for operational continuity, compatibility with existing infrastructure, interchangeability, and research reliability. Allentown is identified as the only manufacturer capable of providing equipment meeting all necessary specifications, including identical stacking lugs, Air Kup configurations, exhaust collar design, watering mechanisms, and full compatibility with existing Ecoflo blower systems. The LAMb grant supporting the project was awarded based on Allentown IVC equipment selection and approved through competitive scientific merit review; changing manufacturers would require additional agency approval and delay project timelines. No equivalent systems exist to those currently installed on station.

Market Research: Market research was conducted using multiple available sources and identified no other suppliers capable of manufacturing equipment compatible with existing Allentown systems and meeting established grant-approved technical specifications. The requirement mandates products manufactured in the United States.

Pricing: The proposed pricing has been evaluated and determined to be fair and reasonable based on the vendor's established commercial pricing and consistency with prior purchases of comparable Allentown equipment.

Approvals: The document includes certification blocks for the originating official, Contracting Officer, and one level above the Contracting Officer (required for awards exceeding SAT but not exceeding $900K), with an approval date of 8/17/2026.