6515--Audiometers - NWI

This is a Notice of Intent published in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 5.101(a)(1) requiring the dissemination of information regarding proposed contract actions. This Notice of Intent is for a proposed award of a sole source firm fixed price contract to the following contractor in support of purchase and install 2 diagnostic full-range 2-channel audiometers for use by Audiology at the new Sarpy CBOC site located at 1330 Jersey St, Papillion, NE 68046.

Natus Medical Inc.

UEI; UMMUFALM4JJ3

3150 Pleasant View Road

Middleton, WI 53562

This is done under authority of 41 U.S.C. 3304(a)(1), as implemented by FAR 6.302-1: Only one source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements.

This is not a request for competitive quotes.

Market research revealed that Natus Medical Inc. is the proprietary developer and sole service provider for the Madsen Astera 2 audiometer system currently being utilized by Sarpy County VA Health Care System.

Additionally, Natus Hearing and Balance, is the sole source provider for sales, service, calibration, training and warranty coverage on the entire Otometrics product line. (Madsen Astera 2 audiometer system) and has over the life of this equipment serviced this equipment for Sarpy County VA Health Care System. Natus Medical Inc., furthermore, owns the proprietary maintenance rights for this equipment. Thus, it is impossible for any other company to provide maintenance for this equipment as Natus Medical Inc. has sole rights and does not allow for authorized resellers, authorized dealers, or third party maintenance vendors to provide such services. Any other entity besides Natus Medical Inc. providing this service would result in violation of these proprietary rights and voiding of any equipment warranties, as applicable.

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this service is 334310 (Audio and Video Equipment Manufacturing) and the Product Service Code (PSC) is 6515 (MEDICAL AND SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, EQUIPMENT, AND SUPPLIES).

While this synopsis does not constitute a solicitation, interested vendors may identify their interest and capability to satisfy the requirement, including documentation from the proprietary rights holder Natus Medical Inc., that such contractor could provide this service as an authorized reseller, authorized dealer or third party. All responses must be received within 7 days of this notice posting.

All responsible sources may submit a capability statement, which shall be considered by the agency by e-mailing such statement and supporting documentation to James Miller, Contracting Specialist, at james.miller4@va.gov. No phone calls please. Please indicate Response to Astera 2 audiometer in subject line of e-mail.

Such documentation will be reviewed solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct the procurement on a competitive basis. A determination not to compete this requirement, based upon responses to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the Government under authorities cited above.