6640--6-Month Bridge - CPT Consumables/Reagents - Protein Electrophoresis Analyzer, Ann Arbor

The Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Health Administration (VA VHA) for Veterans Integrated Service Network 10 has issued a Special Notice announcing its intent to negotiate a sole-source contract for protein electrophoresis consumables. The notice specifically involves the Chalmers P Wylie VA Medical Center and targets reagents and consumables for a Helena Laboratories Automated Agarose Gel Electrophoresis Analyzer. Helena Laboratories, a small business located in Beaumont, Texas, is the sole proposed vendor for this procurement. The contract opportunity is categorized under NAICS code 325413 for In-Vitro Diagnostic Substance Manufacturing and falls under Product Service Code 6640 for Laboratory Equipment and Supplies. The VA has determined that Helena Laboratories is the only source capable of providing these specialized supplies, as their reagents are exclusively compatible with their specific analyzer system.

The purpose of this Special Notice is to communicate the VA's intention to award a firm fixed-price contract using Simplified Acquisition Procedures under FAR Part 6.302-1, which allows for procurement from only one responsible source. The notice serves as a formal declaration of the VA's plan to sole-source the contract with Helena Laboratories without a competitive bidding process. Contractors should note the key deadline of December 26, 2024, for any potential responses or inquiries. Eligibility for this opportunity is effectively limited to Helena Laboratories, as the VA has determined they are the only vendor capable of meeting the specific technical requirements for these specialized consumables. The contract will be processed through the VISN 10 Contracting Activity, with the government believing that only the proposed candidate possesses the required capabilities to successfully meet the requirement. This is not a formal Request for Proposal, but a notice of intent to sole-source the procurement.