Intent to Sole Source: Ekso Bionics Exoskeletal Device

The Department of Veterans Affairs, Bronx VA Medical Center intends to negotiate on a sole source basis, pursuant to FAR 6.302-1, with Ekso Bionics for the Ekso GT Bionics with SmartAssist package. The intended use of this device will be within two VA research studies. There are currently only 3 powered exoskeletons that have FDA approval. Only 2 of these devices have approval for both spinal cord injury and stroke. Of these 2 devices only the 1( Ekso) has the upper body support, external foot plate, and variable assist features needed for the research projects being conducted in our program. This device is a sole source product, manufactured, sold and distributed exclusively by Ekso Bionics, Inc. No division of Ekso Bionics, Inc., nor any other company, makes similar or competing products. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals; however, any responsible source who believes it is capable of meeting the requirement may submit a capability statement to the contracting office no later than July 10th, 2018, 4:00, EST. Interest/capability statements may be sent to Lynn Portman at lynn.portman@va.gov. No telephone responses will be accepted. A determination not to compete the proposed requirement based upon the responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government..