Abiomed impell equipment - preventative maintenance

THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE QUOTES/PROPOSALS AND NO SOLICIATION IS AVAILABLE. THE INTENT OF THIS NOTICE IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Network Contracting Office 16 (NCO 16), Michael E. Debakey Medical Center, intends to issue and award a sole source single award type contract with a performance period of base + 4 years to Abiomed Inc., 222 Cherry Hill Drive, Danvers, MA 01923, for annual preventative maintenance and service on the Abiomed Impell Equipment.
This is a Notice of Intent published in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 5.101(a)(1) requiring the dissemination of information regarding proposed contract actions. This Notice of Intent is for a proposed award of a sole source, firm-fixed price contract under the authority of 41 U.S.C. 3304(a)(1), as implemented by FAR 13.106-1(b) - Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Service Will Satisfy Agency Requirements. It is not a request for competitive quotes.
The Department of Veterans Affairs, Network Contracting Office 16 intends to award a sole source, firm-fixed price contract to Abiomed, Inc. for a service maintenance services on Abiomed Ventricular Cardiac Circular Assist Units. Abiomed is the sole service provider for the Impella Controller Technology. Any service rendered on this technology requires that it be performed by a factory trained and certified technician and also requires the use of specialized test equipment, both of which are available only from Abiomed. No other 3rd parties have been trained nor are qualified to perform any service on the Impella Controllers.
While this synopsis does not constitute a solicitation, interested vendors may identify their interest and capability to satisfy the requirement. All responsible sources may submit a capability statement, proposal, or quotation which shall be considered by the agency. The Government understands Abiomed, Inc. is the only vendor that can provide the requested full-service maintenance. However, vendors that believe they can provide the capabilities required to fully meet the Government's requirement may submit information in writing to jacqueline.simpson3@va.gov within five calendar days after publication of this notice. Such documentation will be reviewed solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct the procurement on a competitive basis. A determination not to compete this requirement, based upon responses to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the Government..