6515--Automated Microscope-Mountable Biaxial Stretch System

The Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Health Administration Veterans Integrated Service Network 22 has issued a Sources Sought Notice for an Automated Microscope-Mountable Biaxial Stretch System for the VA San Diego Healthcare System. The system must be capable of applying mechanical stress loads to in vitro cells and feature multiplexed culture chambers with programmable stretch protocols that support both cyclic and static uniaxial/biaxial stretch capabilities. The equipment must enable stretching between 2-20% of relaxed chamber length while maintaining compatibility with standard culture incubators and inverted microscopes. The procurement falls under NAICS code 339112 (Surgical and Medical Instrument Manufacturing) with a size standard of 1,000 employees, and interested vendors must provide comprehensive capabilities statements including business size status, manufacturer/distributor details, compliance with subcontracting limitations, product specifications, lead times, FDA clearance status, and pricing information. All responses must be submitted via email to Debby.Abraham@va.gov by July 23, 2025, at 4:00 PM PST.

This opportunity does not include any set-aside designations and is open to all qualified sources capable of meeting the technical requirements. The RFI does not identify any incumbent contractors or specify potential award values or budget ranges for this specialized laboratory equipment procurement. The notice emphasizes that this is strictly a market research effort for planning purposes and does not constitute a formal solicitation, with the government seeking to identify qualified sources and gather detailed capability information. The tight response deadline of five days from posting indicates the agency's urgency in conducting this market research phase. The specialized nature of the biaxial stretch system suggests this is likely a single-unit or limited-quantity procurement given the highly technical and specialized laboratory application requirements.