6640--NX EQ Cryostat Microtomes

Number:

36C10G24Q0095

Notice Type:

Combined Synopsis/Solicitation

Synopsis:

COMBINED SYNOPSIS/SOLICITATION

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) subpart 12.6, Streamlined Procedures for Evaluation and Solicitation for Commercial Items, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotes are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued.

Solicitation number 36C10G24Q0095 is issued for this combined synopsis/solicitation; this solicitation is being issued as a Request for Quote (RFQ). This combined synopsis/solicitation incorporates provisions and clauses in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2024-02, dated 22 January 2024.

Requirement Description:

VA has a requirement to purchase Cryostat Microtomes to deliver patient care at its VA Medical Centers around the country. The Cryostat microtomes section frozen tissue specimens for histopathologic analysis. They consist of a microtome contained in a temperature-controlled stainless steel cabinet called a cryostat (although the entire microtome/cabinet system is also referred to as a cryostat). Using frozen sections for microscopic examination shortens the tissue preparation process and makes more rapid surgical diagnoses possible. In addition, cellular components such as lipids and most enzymes remain intact within cells when they are rapidly frozen. These components can then be visualized using specific staining techniques. Although nonfrozen sectioning preserves the major cellular components, tissue preparation involves the addition of chemicals that may alter certain cellular structures.

A single award Requirements contract will be awarded IAW FAR 52.211-6 Brand Name or Equal in accordance with all terms, conditions, provisions, specifications, and schedule of this solicitation herein. Quotes shall contain the terms for cost/price and technical capabilities of the brand name or equal equipment. The Government reserves the right to award without discussions.

The associated North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) code for this procurement is 334516 - Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing, Product Service Code: 6640 Laboratory Equipment and Supplies and the associated size standard is 1,000 employees. This procurement action is issued as full and open competition.

This acquisition is for a single award Requirements contract in accordance with FAR Part 16.5 for Leica® Cryostat Microtomes or equal Cryostat Microtomes and related equipment and accessories as identified in ATTACHMENT A PRICE COST SCHEDULE - NX EQ Cryostat Microtomes. All interested companies shall provide a quote for all Contract Line Item Numbers (CLINs) listed in ATTACHMENT A PRICE COST SCHEDULE - NX EQ Cryostat Microtomes.

The ordering period is for one 12-month base year with four 12-month option years. Delivery is FOB destination. Firm-Fixed Price Orders will be placed against this contract in writing and will provide the delivery locations, delivery dates and exact quantities.

The FAR provision at 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors Commercial, applies to this acquisition including attached addenda to the provision.

The FAR provision at 52.212-2, Evaluation -- Commercial Items, and the specific evaluation criteria as attached addenda also applies to this acquisition

The Offeror is to include a completed copy of the provision at 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications -- Commercial Items, with its offer.

Clause at 52.212-4, Contract and Conditions -- Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition and a statement regarding Terms any addenda to the clause. Addendum is attached.

Clause at 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders -- Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition and a statement regarding which, if any, of the additional FAR clauses cited in the clause are applicable to the acquisition. Addendum is attached.

All interested quoters must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) prior to submitting a quote. You may access SAM at https://sam.gov/SAM/.

Questions regarding this combined synopsis/solicitation are due via email by 11:59PM EST on March 20, 2024, to Contract Specialist, Kimberly LeMieux at Kimberly.LeMieux@va.gov and Contracting Officer, Sara Vickroy at Sara.Vickroy@va.gov. No calls will be accepted.

Quotes are due via email by 11:59PM EST on April 08, 2024, to Contract Specialist, Kimberly LeMieux at Kimberly.LeMieux@va.gov and Contracting Officer, Sara Vickroy at Sara.Vickroy@va.gov.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

1. SCOPE OF WORK:

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Non-Expendable Equipment National Program has identified the Cryostat Microtomes product line as a candidate for a VA-wide (otherwise referred to as national ) single Requirement contract award.

Cryostat microtomes section frozen tissue specimens for histopathologic analysis. They consist of a microtome contained in a temperature-controlled stainless steel cabinet called a cryostat (although the entire microtome/cabinet system is also referred to as a cryostat). Using frozen sections for microscopic examination shortens the tissue preparation process and makes more rapid surgical diagnoses possible. In addition, cellular components such as lipids and most enzymes remain intact within cells when they are rapidly frozen. These components can then be visualized using specific staining techniques. Although nonfrozen sectioning preserves the major cellular components, tissue preparation involves the addition of chemicals that may alter certain cellular structures.

The Contractor must demonstrate the ability to meet all requirements for the solicitation. The objective is to provide Cryostat Microtomes to be used by clinicians throughout the VA medical centers and facilities. The period of performance is for one 12-month base period with four 12-month option periods.

2. REQUIREMENT

This requirement will be IAW FAR clause 52.211-6, Brand Name or Equal which requires the quoter indicate that each product being offered as an equal product to the Leica® Cryostat Microtomes. For each equal product, the offeror must include a description reflecting the salient characteristics (SC) and level of quality that will satisfy the salient physical, functional, or performance characteristics of the equal product(s) specified in the solicitation. The quoter must also clearly identify the item by brand name (if any) and make/model number. Finally, the quoter must include descriptive literature, such as illustrations, drawings, or a clear reference to previously furnished descriptive data or information available to the Contracting Officer, and clearly describe any modifications it plans to make to a product to make it conform to the solicitation requirements.

CLIN #

Brand

Part Number

Description

0001

Leica

CM1520

Value priced cryostat for routine histology and Mohs surgery.

0002

Leica

CM1860

Cryostat for routine histopathology applications.

0003

Leica

CM1860 UV

Cryostat for routine histopathology applications with UVC for increased user safety.

0004

Leica

CM1950

Most popular cryostat for clinical applications combining large capacity with user safety.

0005

Leica

CM3050 S

Ergonomic cryosectioning in sitting position for time consuming jobs.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking vendors who can provide Leica® Brand Name or Equal (BNOE) Cryostat Microtomes as listed above or equal commodities which meet all the following salient characteristics.

SC #

SALIENT CHARACTERISTICS

METHOD OF EVALUATION

APPLICABLE CLINS

PAGE # WHERE SC IS FOUND IN TECHNICAL LITERATURE

SC 1

Cutting Range Encompasses, µm 2-60

Literature Review

0001-0005

SC 2

Has knife guard or knife holder

Literature Review

0001-0005

SC 3

Has automatic defrost

Literature Review

0001-0005

SC4

Has antiroll device

Literature Review

0001-0005

SC 5

Temperature less than or equal to -30 °C

Literature Review

0001-0005

SC 6

Fluorescent or LED Illumination

Literature Review

0001-0005

SC 7

Power Compatible with:

VAC 100-240

Hz 50/60

Literature Review

0001-0005

Vendors may quote any product solution or configuration so long as they meet the salient characteristics. Products quoted in the technical volume must be captured on the Vendor s pricing volume (Attachment A, Price Cost Schedule) of the solicitation.

The following attachments are incorporated by reference. All criteria outlined in the attachments are applicable to this combined synopsis/solicitation.

See attached document: ATTACHMENT A - PRICE COST SCHEDULE - NX EQ Cryostat Microtomes.

See attached document: ATTACHMENT B - CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION - NX EQ Cryostat Microtomes.

See attached document: ATTACHMENT C - CONTRACT CLAUSES - NX EQ Cryostat Microtomes.

See attached document: ATTACHMENT D - SOLICITATION PROVISIONS - NX EQ Cryostat Microtomes.

See attached document: ATTACHMENT E - REPORTING TOOL - NX EQ Cryostat Microtomes.