Notice of Intent to Award Sole Source to Steris Corp - Hospital Sterilization Equipment

In accordance with Statutory Authority Permitting Other than Full and Open Competition 41 U.S.C. 1901, promoting efficiency and economy in contracting and to avoid unnecessary burdens for agencies and contractors, the Department of Health and Human Service, Indian Health Service, Navajo Area, Chinle Comprehensive Health Care Facility (CCHCF), Chinle, AZ, intends to award a non-competitive, sole sourced purchase order to Steris Corporation (OEM) for hospital sterilization equipment. Additionally, the use of FAR 12 Acquisition of Commercial Products and Commercial Services in conjunction with FAR 13 Simplified Acquisition Procedures authorized by 41 U.S.C. 1901 is also in accordance with EO 14271, Ensuring Commercial, Cost-Effective Solutions in Federal Contracts.

CCHCF's hospital sterilization equipment is a critical service to ensure the proper functioning of medical devices/instruments which is essential to maintain a sterile environment. This equipment provides effective and efficient sterilization which safeguards the health and safety of patients and infection control. This is a replacement of an existing sterilization systems which is currently decommissioned which requires the de-installation of the previous units and installation of the new units.

The anticipated period of performance is twelve months from date of award. The applicable North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code assigned to this procurement is 339113, Surgical Appliance and Supplies Manufacturing with a small business size standard of 750 employees.

The Proposed Contractor is the only organization uniquely qualified to provide the required services to ensure that there is no interruption in services that could impact direct patient care. Steris Corporation is the sole source for sales and service provider of Steris Sterilizer equipment and parts, includes: all software, hardware, training and service components. The sterilizing units requires access to proprietary technology source code, algorithms, and technical data owned exclusively by Steris Inc. Since, Steris products and services are considered proprietary and can only be obtained through and serviced/maintained by Steris this means no other contractor has access to this proprietary information.

Additionally, all replacement parts manufactured or marketed by Steris Corporation are compliant with original equipment manufacturer (OEM) specifications. These parts are sold and shipped directly to the end user of the products. Furthermore, adding third party vendors who are not authorized to work or supply equipment voids the warranty of Steris products and services.

CCHCF already has all required drains and electrical ready for the installation of new sterilizer units as this is a replacement of the current Steris sterilizer units. SPS staff are familiar and experienced to with older model/decommissioned sterilizer units by replacing with new update models this provide staff ease of transition, employee safety, and efficiency.

By continuing to use Steris equipment at the CCHCF, the Government benefits from cost savings on training, maintenance, service contracts, and any necessary accessories. Using a different sterilizing assembly would result in duplicated costs for the Government and increased challenges with maintenance services and operations.

This notice of intent is not a request for quotations and a solicitation will not be issued in conjunction with the notice of intent.