6835--Bulk Oxygen

This Special Notice of Intent (NOI) is not a request for competitive proposals. This is not a solicitation or request for offers.  The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Long Beach Healthcare System intends to award a Delivery Order to Matheson Tri-Gas Inc. for delivery of bulk oxygen, rental of the main and backup tank, emergency deliveries, and Certificate of Analysis (COA) upon delivery. The unusual circumstances leading to justification for other than full and open competition is the accessibility of the main and back-up oxygen tanks. Both tanks are currently located adjacent to the Mental Health Project that is expected to be complete May 2025. The construction area surrounds both tanks and there is limited access. To require removal and installation of a new system, to include commissioning would create significant hardship to the facility. Engineering services currently do not have capacity to manage a small construction project, nor has any contingency been put in place to do any type of design or construction to support new equipment transition at this time. The system is currently operational. Any design requirement would require a 1-to-2-year lead time to secure design funds and support the change.

The anticipated acquisition procedures are in accordance with (IAW) Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 13.106-1(b)(2) soliciting from a single source for purchases exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold which states that the Contracting Officer (CO) may solicit form one source if the CO determines that the circumstances of the contract action deem only one source reasonably available due to unusual circumstances and urgency. All inquiries shall be submitted via email to Anthony.delacruz@va.gov. Please reference NOI 36C26225Q0023 in subject email.

Interested parties may submit a capabilities statement no later than September 10, 2024, 7:00am PST. Any response to this notice must show clear and convincing evidence that competition would be advantageous to the Government.  Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement.  A determination by the Government not to compete the proposed delivery order based upon response to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government.