6550--Notice of Intent to Sole Source -- Aligent Artisan Pro Link

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), specifically VISN 1's Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service, has issued a Special Notice of Intent to Sole Source a two-year Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) for the Agilent Artisan Link Pro Automated Special Stain systems. The procurement is focused on acquiring specialized laboratory equipment, including instrumentation, supplies, reagents, collection and testing kits, service, maintenance, and parts necessary for patient result production. Scheduled for a performance period from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2027, this procurement will utilize Simplified Procedures for Commercial Items under FAR 13.5. The notice specifically targets the acquisition of Agilent Special Stain kits for use on the Agilent Artisan Link Pro Special Staining System. The procurement falls under NAICS code 325413 for In-Vitro Diagnostic Substance Manufacturing.

The primary objective of this Special Notice is to secure a sole-source procurement for specialized pathology laboratory equipment without a competitive solicitation. Contractors interested in being considered must submit detailed documentation to Sarah.Ballentine@va.gov by March 14, 2025, at 4:30 PM EST, demonstrating their qualifications and capability to provide the required products and services. The VA emphasizes that this is not a competitive proposal request, and the decision to compete the requirement remains entirely at the government's discretion. Eligible sources include companies capable of providing the specified Agilent Artisan Link Pro systems and associated specialized staining kits. The procurement will be valued under the Simplified Acquisition Threshold of $250,000 and will leverage a cost-per-slide pricing model. The VA's market research aims to determine whether alternative sources exist that can meet the specialized technical requirements of the pathology laboratory services.