Notice of Intent to Sole Source: TUG Robots

The Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Health Administration, specifically Veterans Integrated Service Network 7 at the Central Alabama Veterans Health Care facility, has issued a Notice of Intent to Sole Source for the procurement of four replacement TUG Robots. This Special Notice, posted on January 9, 2026, with solicitation number 36C24726Q0211, indicates the government's intention to enter into a sole-source procurement agreement rather than conduct a competitive bidding process. The procurement is driven by the need to replace existing Aethon robots at the Atlanta VA Healthcare system's Pathology and Laboratory Service that have reached end-of-life status. The government has identified ST Engineering Aethon, Inc. as the sole source provider based on proprietary manufacturing, distribution, and support capabilities.

Interested parties must submit their capabilities and interest via email to Monica.Reed@va.gov by the January 15, 2026 deadline at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time to express interest in this procurement. The sole-source justification rests on Aethon, Inc. being the original equipment manufacturer and the only company capable of manufacturing, selling, distributing, and supporting the TUG robot system, which includes proprietary technician training, replacement parts, and software support. The government emphasizes that this is not a competitive solicitation, and any communications received will be evaluated solely to determine whether to proceed with the sole-source award or convert to a competitive procurement. Contractors should note that participation in this notice does not guarantee contract award, as the government reserves the right to reassess its procurement strategy based on responses received. The procurement falls under NAICS code 339113 (Surgical Appliance and Supplies Manufacturing) and PSC code 6530 (Hospital Furniture, Equipment, Utensils, and Supplies).