6640--NX EQ Automated Coverslipper Machines (VA-26-00027783)

The Department of Veterans Affairs Strategic Acquisition Center is soliciting quotations for NX EQ Automated Coverslipper Machines under solicitation number 36C10X26Q0123, a commercial product acquisition conducted under FAR part 12 procedures. Only new original equipment manufacturer (OEM) equipment is acceptable; refurbished, remanufactured, and gray market items are explicitly prohibited. Quoters will be evaluated based on technical merit, past performance, veterans preference, and price, with a 10 percent HUBZone small business price evaluation preference applied. The solicitation requires submission of five volumes including technical specifications, past performance references from three contracts, veterans preference certification, pricing in Excel format, and certifications/representations. Quotation questions are due by April 20, 2026 at 11:00 AM Eastern, with complete quotes due April 29, 2026 at 12:00 PM EDT. A contract is anticipated to be awarded on a single basis to the quote providing best value, with performance spanning one 12-month base year and four optional 12-month extension periods for a maximum five-year term.

This is an unrestricted acquisition with no set-asides designated, and no incumbent contractors are identified in the solicitation documents. The contract encompasses 20 contract line items including Leica HistoCore Chromax and Spectra automated coverslipper systems, workstation kits, accessories, service contracts, and ancillary components, with base year estimated quantities ranging from 5 to 20 units depending on the line item. All pricing must include a 3.0 percent Service Level Agreement fee embedded in line-item costs, and quoters must submit OEM authorization letters valid for the contract life. Delivery is FOB Destination to various VA Medical Center locations nationwide, with specific delivery locations and dates to be identified in individual orders issued under the resulting contract. The place of performance is identified as Independence, Kansas 67301, with nationwide delivery anticipated across all 22 VA regions and their constituent medical facilities. Contractors must be prepared for quarterly sales reporting via the VA Financial Services Center using the Tungsten electronic invoicing system.