6515-- O. R. Sterilizer Cases Intent to Sole Source

The Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Integrated Service Network 2, specifically the Albany VAMC, has issued a Special Notice (Solicitation No. 36C24226Q0183) announcing its intent to award a sole source contract for Arthrex OR Sterilizer Cases. This notice was posted on December 4, 2025, with a response deadline of December 12, 2025. The procurement is classified under Product Service Code 6515 (Medical and Surgical Instruments, Equipment, and Supplies) and NAICS Code 339112 (Surgical and Medical Instrument Manufacturing). The contracting office is located in Canandaigua, New York, with Barry Sawyer serving as the primary contract specialist. This is not a competitive request for quotes but rather a notification of the VA's intent to proceed with a sole source award to Arthrex, Inc., located in Naples, Florida.

The VA's objective is to procure specialized sterilizer cases specifically designed and validated for use with Arthrex proprietary surgical instruments used in orthopedic procedures, with an estimated contract value of $38,700. The sole source justification emphasizes that only Arthrex sterilizer cases are FDA-cleared and validated for proper reprocessing and sterilization of Arthrex instruments, and that generic sterilizer trays do not meet FDA clearance requirements. Using non-validated cases could result in noncompliance with Joint Commission standards, VA Sterile Processing Services policies, potential instrument damage, and increased patient risk. The VA conducted extensive market research across multiple platforms including GSA and FPDS and confirmed no alternative vendors produce compatible sterilizer cases for Arthrex's specific surgical tool sets. Contractors interested in providing written justification or comments regarding this sole source acquisition have until December 12, 2025, to submit their responses to the contracting office.