Anatomic Pathology Stainer

Sources Sought Notice only. This is not a request for quotes or proposals. No formal solicitation document exists at this time. Seeking businesses capable of providing a anatomic pathology stainer with reagents included in the monthly price (12-month base period plus 4-each 12-month option periods) on a cost per test basis with the following minimum capabilities: tabletop staining unit; complete and fully automated IHC and ISH stainer; complete onboard baking, staining, dewax, and antigen retrieval (using heat and enzyme); data management system; patient data management system; patient reporting and protocol reporting systems; continuous processing (the ability to add slides after the initial run is started); ability to change reagents during testing; coverage of the tissue so reagent and air is never applied directly to the tissue; and continuous feed with no interruption in other slide processing (slide trays act independently of each other) for the VA Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System (VAGCVHCS) located in Biloxi, MS. The vendor shall also provide all parts, labor, and service calls, for full-maintenance for the entire contract period to include an annual preventative maintenance inspection. The NAICS code is 334516 and the Small Business Size Standard is 500 Employees. Responses to this notice should include the following: name and address of company/provider (phone number and email of point of contact); DUNS (Dun and Bradstreet) number; indicate whether or not they are a small business and whether or not they fall into any of the following socioeconomic categories: SDVOSB, VOSB, 8(a), Woman-Owned Small Business, Historically Underutilized Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, or Small Business; contractor's experience in providing anatomic pathology stainers with reagents included in the monthly price on a cost per test basis, and any other pertinent information which demonstrates contractor's ability to meet the above requirements. If this is set-aside for SDVOSB or VOSB, at least 50 percent of the cost of manufacturing, excluding the cost of materials, will be performed by the concern or employees of other eligible SDVOSB or VOSB concerns. Also, SDVOSB and VOSB shall be verified (have icon/seal/logo) in www.vetbiz.gov to be eligible to bid and to be eligible for a contract award. Simply showing interest in www.fbo.gov is not sufficient. All responses demonstrating capabilities (please limit to 10 pages) shall be submitted in writing no later than the close of business (4:00pm CST) July 31, 2013, to the following email address: bill.geary@va.gov. If you have questions or need additional information, please contact the Contracting Officer at bill.geary@va.gov. Please note "VA256-13-R-1394 Sources Sought Notice" in the subject line of email. All interested parties are reminded to be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) database (https://www.sam.gov) to be eligible for a government contract award.