Tecniplast JA_Redacted.pdf

VHAPG Part 813.5 Simplified Acquisition Procedures for Certain Commercial Items Attachment 1: Request for Sole Source Justification Template >SAT-$7.5M under FAR13.5

Effective Date: 11/15/24 Page 1 of 4

REVISION: 01

Acquisition ID#: 36C244-25-AP-3718

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

SOLE SOURCE JUSTIFICATION UNDER SIMPLIFIED PROCEDURES FOR CERTAIN COMMERCIAL

ITEMS IN ACCORDANCE WITH FAR 13.5

Acquisition Plan Action ID: 36C244-25-AP-3718

1. Contracting Activity: Department of Veterans Affairs, VISN 04, Research and Development

Department, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center

2. Nature and/or Description of the Action Being Processed: This request is for the acquisition of The Tecniplast USA caging and environment control system through funding from the VISN HighCost High Tech equipment mechanism. The Tecniplast Emerald high-density mouse and single sided racks and cages in conjunction with the Clima-flow climate control system which controls ventilation and humidity to each cage individually is a state of art caging system especially designed for rodents.

This technology which improves the health and welfare of each animal in this caging environment also enriches the housing, nest building and social environment of each animal, allowing the investigators to retrieve more consistent and reliable data from these Research animals.

: The Total estimate value for the acquisition is

The Research and Development Department at the Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center requests the following equipment from Tecniplast USA for the Animal Research Facility. The contractor will provide 768 mice cages, and 35 rat cages. Three Air handling units will be required and installed (Clima Flow USA, model # EMBOXIIOCFU) to complete this self-contained caging and environment system. Besides the equipment listed above, a wide range of components essential for the set-up of the Emeral Rack system are required to include the Auto watering manifolds and grommets; set-up of external bottles with Microbiological filter mechanical sealings; establish classic, and Silicone connections. The following equipment must be acquired from Tecniplast USA to meet the needs of the Research Department. Training and Installation of the equipment is required under this agreement.

3. Statutory Authority Permitting Restricted Competition:

FAR 13.5 Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial Items. The statutory authority for applying the Simplified Procedures for Commercial Items of FAR 13.5 is 41 U.S.C. § 1901 and is implemented by FAR 13.106-1(b)(2) for restricting competition on this procurement. Competition is restricted on this procurement for the reason below:

( X ) Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements

( ) Unusual and Compelling Urgency ( ) Industrial Mobilization, Engineering, Developmental or Research Capability or Expert

Services ( ) International Agreement

VHAPG Part 813.5 Simplified Acquisition Procedures for Certain Commercial Items Attachment 1: Request for Sole Source Justification Template >SAT-$7.5M under FAR13.5

Effective Date: 11/15/24 Page 2 of 4

REVISION: 01

Acquisition ID#: 36C244-25-AP-3718

( ) Authorized or Required by Statute ( ) National Security ( ) Public Interest

Demonstration that the C Unique Qualifications or Nature of the Acquisition Requires the Use of the Authority Cited Above (applicability of authority): Techniplast USA is the only known source capable of meeting the Government s requirements for an automated caging system that fully integrates with the facilities existing animal housing infrastructure. Techniplast USA distributes its proprietary systems exclusively and does not work with any third-party resellers.

The unique qualification of Techniplast USA s proprietary system, including cage multi-linking technology and centralized environmental control, make it the only product that satisfies both current and future operational needs.

Techniplast s patented Clima Flow air handling unit is the only solution on the market that can provide stand-alone environmental regulation, including temperature and humidity control, without relying on external water-cooling lines or ventilation systems. This capability is critical for isolating animals not yet cleared by veterinary staff and for system relocation as needed. A unique characteristic of the Tecniplast USA System is that there are currently no other existing vendors with the technology to provide a built-in preclinical functional Ultrasonic Humidifier which nebulizes water into vapor form. This mechanism allows air to be easily absorbed into the air stream, resulting in a better air uptake vs hot steam or other forced technologies. This leads to better humidity control and efficiency in each animal cage.

4. Description of Efforts Made to ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential sources as deemed practicable: There is currently no other existing vendor which can provide individual ventilated cage technology on any rack or cage animal set-up. The cage design provides a perfect seal around the entire cage. These seals prevent any air drafts at any animal level and avoids risking the health by eliminating stress and behavioral issues due to deviation from room temperature and humidity.

5. Determination by the CO that the Anticipated Cost to the Government will be Fair and Reasonable: Price analysis will be conducted using comparison of proposed prices found reasonable on previous purchases. A determination will be made by the Contracting Officer that the anticipated cost(s) to the Government is fair and reasonable. The Contracting Office may seek additional discounts before placing an order.

6. Description of the Market Research Conducted and the Results, or a Statement of the Reasons

Market Research Was Not Conducted: Tecniplast was contacted to see if their technology could address multiple housing and environmental deficiencies within our animal caging system. It was determined they had the innovations to improve the health and welfare to our rodents while controlling all climate control systems in each cage.

Tecniplast USA, is a major animal research equipment supplier for over 60 years with the only individual ventilated caging system in the market has giving us the confidence to procure this equipment solely on this requirement.