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

The Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Health Administration, specifically the Chalmers P Wylie VA Medical Center within VISN 10, has issued a Special Notice announcing its intent to negotiate a sole-source contract for protein electrophoresis consumables and reagents. The contract will be with Helena Laboratories, a small business located in Beaumont, Texas, under Simplified Acquisition Procedures. The procurement is being conducted using the authority of FAR Part 6.302-1, which allows for procurement from only one responsible source. The NAICS code associated with this procurement is 325413 for In-Vitro Diagnostic Substance Manufacturing. Helena Laboratories has been identified as the exclusive vendor because their reagents and consumables are uniquely compatible with their Automated Agarose Gel Electrophoresis Analyzer, and using alternative manufacturers' supplies would potentially compromise test results.

The primary objective of this Special Notice is to procure specialized laboratory equipment consumables through a firm fixed-price contract with a single source. The government has explicitly stated its intention to solicit and negotiate exclusively with Helena Laboratories, emphasizing that this notice is not a Request for Proposal. Contractors should note the narrow eligibility for this opportunity, which is effectively limited to Helena Laboratories due to the specialized nature of the equipment and consumables. The procurement is time-sensitive, with responses due by December 24, 2024, and follows a streamlined acquisition process. The contract falls under the Laboratory Equipment and Supplies product service category (PSC 6640) and represents a targeted procurement to maintain specific medical diagnostic capabilities. While this is a sole-source procurement, Helena Laboratories qualifies as a small business, which aligns with federal contracting diversity objectives. The VA's approach demonstrates a focused strategy to secure mission-critical laboratory supplies with minimal procedural complexity.