SSJ Microinjection System Redacted.pdf

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

Last Updated: 02/01/22 Page 1 of 2

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:__36C249-22-AP-3330___________

1. Contracting Activity: Department of Veterans Affairs, VISN 09, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System

Nashville Medical Center, Research and Development Service. 2237 No. 626-22-3-2150-0056

2. Brief Description of Supplies/ Services required and the intended use/Estimated Amount: This is a request to purchase a Tritech Research, Inc. microINJECTOR System with Inverted Microscope and Manipulator and items that complement the system. The microinjection system is used for organoid “mini-gut” research of certain aspects of gastrointestinal organs like the colon or stomach by the Research and Development Service. This procurement is estimated at .

3. Unique characteristics that limit availability to only one source, with the reason no other supplies or services can be used: Due to the sensitivity requirements for research, the only vendor with the ability to offer the complete solution is Tritech Research, Inc. Other companies’ similar products were either lacking a particular feather, did not meet needs, or could not be modified to meet the needs of researchers.

Organoids, or “mini-guts,” are small spherical groups of cells grown in petri dishes that recapitulate certain aspects of gastrointestinal organs, like the colon or stomach. They are about 0.1 mm in diameter and have a hollow center that somewhat resembles the lumen of their organ of origin. The ability to inject specific nutrients or chemical compounds into the organoid lumen requires specific equipment with sensitive instruments enabling researchers to instill volumes of liquid as low as

0.000001 mL. The research personnel require a higher accuracy and reproducibility than basic microinjection. Basic equipment offered by are subject to backflow of liquid medium into the needle, which can be problematic for their work with microbial products that could contaminate the equipment.

n order to validate research, it must be reproducible. No other commercially available equipment has the features required by Research and Development.

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

Notice of Intent to Sole Source was posted to Contract Opportunities via RFI no. 36C24922Q0523 on July 21, 2022, allowing the public to respond with capability statements if interested in the requirement. No responses were received.