Leica SP8WLL custom-made Microscope

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA), Office of Research and Development (R & D), Service Area Office East in Pittsburgh, PA intends to negotiate on a sole source basis with
Leica Microsystems, Inc. This is a BRAND NAME OR EQUAL requirement the contractor shall provide and ship the equipment (listed below) to the Puget Sound VA Healthcare System in Seattle, Washington.
The requirement is for one (1) SP8 White Light Laser (WLL) custom-made intra-vital imaging microscope (SP8WLL).
The SP8WLL must consist of all necessary parts to accomplish the following:
The requested contract covers goods & services to supply the Government with a custom state-of-the-art two photon intra vital microscopy system with options that enables the continued and established research capabilities and expertise of the Government and its agents in the domain of established research intra vital imaging techniques for the Congressionally mandated investigation of posttraumatic stress disorder and its comorbidities including, but not limited to, traumatic brain injury. This make and model provides an upgrade from the previously used make and model (a Leica SP5 custom intra vital multiphoton intra vital imaging microscope) used by the Puget Sound VA Healthcare System and is the only way in which to ensure established research methodologies and theoretical analyses are consistent with previous methodologies and interpretations.
This procurement shall be inclusive of shipping and handling charges (FBO Destination). Ancillary services also needed for this procurement are as follows: installation, training of laboratory personnel (as designated), and extended care / maintenance of the equipment (to include, but not limited to, preventive maintenance and calibration on-site, technical assistance, replacement of parts (as needed). A minimum of a 5 year extended warrant is required on the equipment.
The sole source is pursuant to FAR 6.302-1, Only one responsible source and no other supplies will satisfy agency requirements; and VHAPM Part 806.3, Other Than Full and Open Competition greater than SAT for Open Market Items.
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 and supporting documentation to the Contracting Officer no later than Tuesday, November 27, 2018, 4:00 PM, EST. Interest/capability statements may be sent by email to Mr. Robin Simmons at robin.simmons@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..