6640--Histology Cassette Printer

THIS IS A SOURCES SOUGHT ANNOUNCEMENT ONLY

This is a Sources Sought Notice only and it is not a solicitation announcement. The purpose of this Sources Sought Notice is to gain knowledge of qualified, potential contractors and their socio-economic size classification in accordance with NAICS code 334516. Responses will be used by the Government to make appropriate acquisition decisions. After a review of the responses to this Sources Sought Notice, a solicitation announcement may be posted. A response to this Sources Sought Notice is not an adequate reply to a potentially forthcoming solicitation.

The Department of Veterans Affairs, (NCO 08), Miami VA Healthcare System has a need for a Histology Cassette Printer. We are seeking authorized Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB s), Veteran Owned Small Business (VOSB s), Small Business (SB s) or Large Business (LB s) manufacturers/distributors that can provide this requirement.

This Sources Sought Notice is for Histology Cassette Printer that are brand name or equal to the Leica Inkjet Printer Cassette (Leica IP-C) listed below.

Description/Part Number*

Qty

Unit

149IPC00001 Leica IPC Config.1 USA

1

EA

14060143506 Cartridge Kit 280 ml

1

EA

14060233226 Unload station C

1

EA

14041157009 Power Cord various NEMA5 15

1

EA

The following salient characteristic lists are required to meet the needs of the government.

Requirement Description

Must use laser printing technology requiring toner module (cannot use dot matrix or engraving technology)

Must be able to accept 6 different tissue cassette types

Must be able to print on 35 or 45 degree angle cassettes

Must be able to accept tissue cassettes manufactured by any major manufacture commonly used in the industry

Printer must accept cassette in all of the following configurations:

Cassette with attached lid

Cassette without lid

Cassette with detached lid

Cassette with attached-open lid

Cassette with attached-closed lid

Each of the six (6) cassette hoppers must be able to hold at least 75 cassettes

Cassette hoppers must be able to accept pre-loaded (sleeved) and individual (single / loose) cassettes.

Must have an attached cassette unloading module that will preserve the chronological order of the printed cassettes

Must be able to print symbology codes in 1D and 2D with forward and backward logic allowing for decoding regardless of orientation

Must be able to printer clear (at least 300 dpi) and permanent images that can withstand prolonged exposure to strong solvents, clearing agents, acidic and basic solutions at high temperatures and atmospheric pressure

Must be able to print at least 12 cassettes per minute at resolution of 300 dpi

Printed 1D and 2D codes must have a maximally low re-scan rate

Must come with software compatible with Microsoft Windows 10 or above printer drivers

The software must accept manual input or transmitted digital middleware input via integration with Laboratory Information System (LIS)

Must be able to print at least 12 cassettes per minute at 300 dpi resolution

Delivery FOB Destination to the listed place of performance must be completed within sixty (60) days ARO or earlier as possible.

No reimbursement will be made for any costs associated with providing information in response to this Sources Sought Notice and no contract will be directly awarded on the basis of this Sources Sought Notice. Any information submitted by respondents to this Sources Sought Notice shall be voluntary.

To respond to this Sources Sought Notice, please complete the attached form titled Response Form to Sources Sought Notice and email the information requested to Melissa Everett, Contract Specialist, at melissa.everett@va.gov . Please reference 36C24823Q0989 - Histology Cassette Printer in the subject of the email. The closing date and time of this Sources Sought Notice is April 21, 2023, at 4:00 PM Eastern Time.

This is not a solicitation and in no way obligates the Government to award any contract. Additionally, a response to this Sources Sought Notice is not a request to be added to a prospective bidders list or to receive a copy of any forthcoming solicitation.