SMALL BUSINESS SET-ASIDE, BRAND NAME OR EQUAL TO ELITech Aerospray Pro Slide

The Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Health Administration Veterans Integrated Service Network 20, on behalf of Portland VA Medical Center, is soliciting proposals for a slide stainer instrument, specifically an ELITech Aerospray Pro Slide (Model 7152) or an equivalent product that meets defined performance standards. The solicitation requires the equipment to possess dual capability for both slide staining and cell preparation, with specifications including a loading capacity of 1-12 up to 30 slides, throughput capacity of up to 540 slides per hour, a weight under 40 pounds, dimensions not exceeding 23 inches by 11 inches by 23 inches, a centrifuge rotor speed range of 100-2000 rpm, and operation capability on standard 120V AC power. Offerors must submit comprehensive responses by January 26, 2026, at 3:00 PM EST that include company information registered on SAM.gov, a completed Price/Cost Schedule, a Buy American Certificate, technical specifications documenting how their product meets or exceeds the stated requirements, and all other federally mandated documentation. The evaluation will be based on the technical specifications submitted and compliance with buy American requirements, with award anticipated to the responsive small business offering an acceptable product at the lowest cost.

This solicitation is designated as a Total Small Business Set-Aside, restricting competition to entities meeting Small Business Administration size standards within the Surgical Appliance and Supplies Manufacturing sector (NAICS 339113). No incumbent contractor is identified in the solicitation materials provided. The specific contract value and budget range have not been disclosed in the public notice. The VA requires delivery of all ordered items to the Portland VA Medical Center General Warehouse in Portland, Oregon 97239 within 90 days after receipt of the purchase order. The compressed timeline from posting on January 14, 2026, to the proposal deadline of January 26, 2026, provides eligible small businesses with approximately 12 days to prepare and submit their offers.