Sources Sought Template.docx

This Sources Sought Notice is for informational and planning purposes and shall NOT be construed as a solicitation or as an obligation or commitment by the Government at this time. This notice is intended strictly for market research. The purpose of this Sources Sought notice is to determine interest and capability of potential qualifications of Small Businesses firms relative to the North American Industry Classification Code (NAICS) 325413. The Department of Veteran’s Affairs is seeking Small business firms, small manufacturers or distributors of small business manufacturers, and large businesses of equipment to all the following:

Immunochemistry (IHC) Instruments:

· Fully automated workflow: Handles baking, deparaffinization, cell conditioning, and staining for qualitative/semi‑quantitative detection of analytes.

· High throughput: 80 slides in 8 hours for standard IHC samples

· Slide processing: 25 independent slide drawers with continuous access.

· Reagent flexibility: 30 reagent positions.

· Slide compatibility: 25×75 mm or 26×76 mm positively‑charged microscope slides.

· Waste management: System must degrade DAB to <5 ppb.

· Light notifications for instrument status.

· Retractable work surface for additional workspace.

· Bulk reagent color‑coded clips for easier loading and error reduction.

· Integrated touchscreen with excellent software for inventory management, ordering, lot‑to‑lot validation, and expanded QA/QC reporting.

· Independent temperature control for each slide to optimize staining.

· Air vortex mixing system for full slide coverage with 100 µL reagents.

· Slide drawer design to prevent fluid ingress/egress, ensuring reliable performance.

· Sustainable waste system and eco‑friendly packaging.

· Comprehensive data management for traceability and compliance.

The reagent funded lease pricing would include one IHC instrument, one UPS, stain, bulks/ancillary, antibodies, service and repairs to support the needs of the facility. The IHC instrument will replace our current Leica BOND III that is at least 15 years old. The new IHC instrument would support an optimized workflow by improving usability while enabling time for more value-added activities. The service line cannot function in the service level strategic plan without this piece of equipment. This is critical to our mission.

THIS IS NOT A SOLICITATION AND DOES NOT OBLIGATE THE GOVERNMENT TO ISSUE A SOLICITATION. Please be advised that the Government will NOT pay for any information submitted under this announcement. The applicable North American Classification System (NAICS) Code for this requirement is 325413 (In-Vitro Diagnostic Substance Manufacturing). Responses due are to be submitted by e-mail to Aleta.Jennette@va.gov by 08/25/2026 at 10 AM EDT. Name of firm, Socio-Economic category of the firm (all small businesses), complete address, and phone & fax number of contacts.