Sources Sought Package Lab Sterilizer and Washer.docx

The Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration (VHA), Research & Development East (SAO-East), Pittsburgh is conducting a market survey and is seeking potential sources for: One Each “Cage Rack Washer Sterilizer” (washer and separate sterilizer unit). This is for our VA customer in Cincinnati, OH.

Steris brand name is preferred but NOT required. This Sources Sought Notice is issued for information and planning purposes only. This is not a solicitation or a request for proposal and shall not be construed as an obligation or commitment by the Government. An award will not be made on any offers submitted in response to this notice, and it shall not be implied the Government is committed to providing any solicitation or award following this notice. The Government will not pay for any information received in response to this request, nor will the Government compensate a respondent for any costs incurred in developing the information provided.

Responses shall be submitted to john.anderson-cooley@va.gov Responses are due as soon as possible but no later than Noon ET, Wednesday 8/5/2026.

This notice is intended strictly for market research. The purpose of this Sources Sought Notice is to determine interest and capability of potential qualified sources of supply and determine the socioeconomic size classification of the supplier and manufacturer of the end item.

Interested companies shall provide, at a minimum, the following information with their response;

1. Company Name and Address:

2. Point of Contact (POC)

1. Name:

2. Email Address:

3. Phone Number:

3. DUNS Number:

The anticipated North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 423450 – Wholesalers of professional medical, dental, and hospital equipment and supplies. Mark if your firm is eligible for participation in one of the following small business programs. If so, please indicate the program:

[ ] yes [ ] no - Small Business (SB) [ ] yes [ ] no - HUBZone [ ] yes [ ] no - Small Business 8(a) [ ] yes [ ] no - Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB) [ ] yes [ ] no - Women-Owned (WO) Small Business [ ] yes [ ] no - Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) [ ] yes [ ] no - Veteran Owned Small Business (VOSB) [ ] yes [ ] no - Large Business [ ] yes [ ] no - Other (please specify)

Please answer the following questions:

[ ] yes [ ] no – If a small business manufacturer (for the NAICS code and size standard), agrees that in the performance of any resulting contract, the concern will comply with the limitation on subcontracting requirements in 13 CFR §125.6.

[ ] yes [ ] no – If a small business nonmanufacturer (500 employees as stated in FAR 52.212-1(a)), agrees to furnish in the performance of any resulting contract, the product(s) of a small business manufacturer (for the NAICS code and size standard) or producer. For size determination purposes, there can be only one manufacturer of the end product(s) being acquired.

[ ] yes [ ] no - Will furnish the end product(s) manufactured or produced in the United States or its outlying areas.

[ ] yes [ ] no - Available through GSA/FSS or other GWAC (please specify).

Note: Do not include Proprietary, classified, confidential, or sensitive information in responses.

In addition to providing the information requested above, responding companies are encouraged to include any relevant information (specifications, cut sheets, brochures, capability statement, past experience etc.) to confirm the company’s ability to meet the requirements outlined in this request.

Responses to this notice are not offers and cannot be accepted by the U.S. Government to form a binding contract or agreement. This notice shall not be construed as a commitment by the Government to issue a solicitation, or ultimately award a contract, nor does it restrict the Government to a particular acquisition approach. The Government will in no way be bound to this information if any solicitation is issued.

Reference: 36C250-26-AP-4233 | 539-26-3-460-0257, Lab Washer/Sterilizer.

1. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. Purpose: The purchase of Cage Rack Washer Sterilizer is required in order to maintain VHA Office of Research Oversight (ORO) Accreditations and American Association for Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC) Accreditations as it has been determined that there have been repeated mechanical deficiencies in Cincinnati VA Veterinarian Medical Unit equipment that could pose a threat to the safety of laboratory animals.

1. Scope of Work: The contractor shall provide all resources necessary to accomplish the deliveries described in this statement of work (SOW). Contractor shall procure and deliver (1) Sterilizer and (1) Glassware Wash that requires no building modifications. The equipment will be plug and play and suitable for a BSL II Research Facility.

1. Background: On March 27th, 2026, there was an American Association for Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC) review in which it was recommended that we replace our equipment. On April 16th, 2026, the VA Office of Research Oversight (ORO) confirmed the AAALAC finding and it was suggested that we replace the equipment immediately to prevent future corrective actions that could result in the loss of accreditation.

1. Performance Period: This is a one-time purchase; delivery and installation should begin no later than 01 June 2027.

1. Type of Contract: Firm-Fixed-Price

1. Place of Performance: Delivery will be made to the Cincinnati VA Medical Center, 3200 Vine Street, Building 14, Cincinnati OH 45220, Research Dock.

1. Hours of Operation: Warehouse deliveries are accepted between 8am and 3:30pm, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.

Hospital normal hours of operation are between 8am and 4:30pm, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.

B. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Contractor shall provide (1) Sterilizer and (1) Glassware Washer that requires no building modifications. Building infrastructure must be completely efficient as is. The unit must meet the specifications outlined in the salient characteristics document and the below listed system requirements:

1. The Sterilizer:

13. Must be Life Science suitable equipment

13. Must be suitable for BioSafety Level II

13. Must be single door

13. Exterior dimensions must not exceed 76”H x 43”W x 49”D

13. Interior dimensions must be at least 20” x 20” x 38”

13. Must have multiple programmable cycles

13. Must have gravity, liquid, pre-vacuum and isothermal cycles

13. Must have multiple temperatures setting up to 285F

13. Must have colored touchscreen display

13. Must have printing capabilities

13. Current exhaust must be efficient for equipment

13. Equipment must be suitable for facility infrastructure

13. Assembly must be completed by Contractor. Facility only provides utility connections.

1. The Glassware Washer:

14. Must be Life Science suitable equipment

14. Must be suitable for BioSafety Level II

14. Must be single door

14. Internal chamber should be no less than 25” W x 23” H x 24” L

14. External dimensions should not exceed no greater than 28 ½” W x 78” H x 28 ½” L

14. Must have multiple programable cycles

14. Must have various temperature ranges from 180F to 248F

14. Must have colored touchscreen display

14. Printing capabilities

14. Must have internal exhaust

14. Equipment must be suitable for facility infrastructure

14. Assembly must be completed by Contractor. Facility only provides utility connections.

1. Veterinarian Medical Unit Protocols and Procedures: Contractors must abide by all federal guidelines including but not limited to: No eating or drinking in the VMU. No music or loud noises in the VMU. No loitering around the VMU or Facility. Contractor personnel are only authorized in areas where equipment is being installed. No drugs, alcohol or smoking/vaping on campus. No taking pictures, video or audio on campus. If pictures are required, Contractor will seek approval from coordination staff. All Contractor personnel must review and sign VMU protocol documents reiterating these guidelines. Anyone with animal allergies, it is not recommended for them to be in VMU.

1. Contractor shall provide a listing of all recalls, Safety Alerts, and Field Engineering Change Notices pertaining to the proposed Imaging System for the past 12 months.

C. CHANGES TO STATEMENT OF WORK

Any changes to this SOW shall be authorized and approved only through written correspondence from the CO. A copy of each change will be kept in a project folder along with all other products of the project. Costs incurred by the contractor through the actions of parties other than the CO shall be borne by the contractor.

D. INVOICES

1. Payment will be made upon receipt of a properly prepared detailed invoice, prepared by the Contractor, validated by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR), and submitted electronically through OB-10 (https://portal.tungsten-network.com/).

2. A properly prepared invoice will contain:

a) Invoice Number and Date

b) Contractor’s Name and Address

Specifications and Salient Characteristics Sterilizer Physical & Function Characteristics:

Cost must not exceed LAM award. Must be research/life science equipment. Must be suitable for BioSafety Level II VMU Facility. Internal chamber dimension should be no less than 20” x 20” x 38”. External dimensions should exceed no greater than 76”H x 43”W x 49”D. Must be a one door chamber. Must have multiple programable cycles. Must have gravity, liquid, pre-vacuum and isothermal cycles. Must have various temperatures leading up to 285F. Must have colored touchscreen display. Printing capabilities. Current exhaust must be efficient for equipment.

Assembling, Modifications & Scope of Work Requirements:

Equipment must come already assembled, must require no building modifications or utility changes. Equipment must be plug and play.

Warranty:

Must include at least a one year warranty. Contractor must service equipment in the event of a malfunction no later than 48 hours after initial call.

Statement of Work (SOW) Sterilization Equipment

Steris Reliance 300XLS Laboratory Washer (Glassware) Information

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