Intent to Sole Source Whole-body Inhalation Exposure System (IES, floor model)

This is a notice of intent to award a sole source contract and is not a request for quotes. The Department of Veterans Affairs on behalf of the Syracuse VA Medical Center intend to award a Firm Fixed Price (FFP), sole source action to a Small Businesses (SB). This action shall be awarded under FAR Part 8.4 Name of Contractor:

Templeton Coal Co Inc Street Address:

711 Hulman ST City, State, Zip: Terre Haute, Indiana 47802 The objective of this action is to procure a whole-body inhalation exposure system (IES, floor model). In accordance with FAR Part 8.405-6, it has been determined that only one source is reasonably available and therefore restricts this requirement to a brand name only procurement due to proprietary constraints.

We are seeking a whole-body inhalation exposure system (IES, floor model) for research animals (mice) because the natural route of tuberculosis infection in humans is the lung, the most precise animal models try to mimic this route. We therefore employ the use of the Glas-Col Inhalation Exposure System (IES) in our research to most closely parallel human infection. We have successfully used this piece of equipment for 20+ years.

The system will be intended for use with mice and/or has the capability to contain 100+ mice for infection. The inhalation exposure system needs to be stand-alone and not require a biosafety cabinet to contain it. It also needs to have the capability to be decontaminated due to the infectious nature of the work. Failure to procure GlasCol brand would require a complete replacement of the existing infrastructure in place.

This notice of intent to sole source with justification for brand name only satisfies the public posting requirements of FAR 8.405-6. Veterans Health Administration prohibits the use of gray market items in their Medical Centers. Gray market items are considered to be items outside of the original equipment manufacturer s intended distribution channels. This notice is not a request for quotes; however, all responsible sources may submit a capability statement which shall be considered by the Government.

All capability statements must be received by no later than 10:00 AM Eastern Standard Time on August 20, 2024. Responses to be submitted to Morgan Weeks, Contracting Officer at Morgan.Weeks1@va.gov. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed contract based on responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government.