Strong T-Bar Retractor System

Justification for Single Source Awards For Over Micro-Purchase Threshold but Not Exceeding the Simplified Acquisition Threshold Acquisition Plan Action ID:

36C248-26-AP-3300 Contracting Activity: Department of Veterans Affairs, VISN 08, NCO-8, San Juan Services & Commodities Team, 2237 no. 672-26-3-9936-0146. Brief Description of Supplies required, intended use, and estimated amount: The Government is in need to acquire Strong T-Bar Retractor System for thoracic surgeries. Reactors are used to hold an incision open while a surgeon works. The retractor could also be used to hold tissues or organs out of the way during surgery. Items needed consist of the following:

Strong Support Bar (Item No. 341112): 2 ea.

Rail Clamp for Strong T-Bar (Item No. 341114): 2 ea.

Cheanvechai-Favaloro Rake Assembly (Item No. 341131): 4 ea.

Cheanvechai Swivel Rake Assembly (Item No. 341133): 4 ea. Unique characteristics that limit availability to only one source, with the reason no other supplies or services can be used: These instruments are to complete a system that was partially delivered under Purchase Order (PO) no. 36C24825P2139. This PO was awarded to Puerto Rico Hospital Supply, the manufacturer s representative for Puerto Rico at the time of award of this PO (09/25/2025).

However, Teleflex cancelled all pending orders from Puerto Rico Hospital Supply, and the aforementioned PO was not fully delivered. Therefore, Teleflex items purchased in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico (PR) must be procured directly through Teleflex. Letter of exclusivity uploaded into the Acquisition Plan action briefcase, in eCMS.

Description of market research conducted and results or statement why it was not conducted: A query was done on 04/13/2026 in the Small Business Administration's (SBA) Small Business Search database, using the NAICS code for this procurement (339112). This query resulted in sixteen (16) Small Businesses, with four (4) being Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs). These four (4) were: ReliableMed Supply, WHL Group, Victor Medical Supply, and Combat Med Supply.

Another query was done in the Supply Chain Master Catalogue (SCMC) website, on 04/13/2026, using the "Strong Support T Bar Retractor" keywords. This search resulted in two (2) previous purchases with Puerto Rico Hospital Supply (POs 36C24825P0467 and 36C24825P2139). A sources sought notice was posted on sam.gov on 04/14/2026.

There were five (5) responses to such notice, from Atlantic Prosthetic Services, Merits USA, Patholoy Assist-Tem, ReliableMed Supply, and BHPE LLC. The first three (3) stated that they did not have such capability, while the last two (2), ReliableMed Supply, and BHPE LLC, SDVOSBs, stated that they did. The manufacturer for the Strong-T Bar Retractor System, Teleflex, was contacted on 04/13/2026 to verify if there were any authorized distributors for them in PR.

A representative from the manufacturer (Teleflex), Mr. Radames Negron, confirmed that for the Commonwealth of PR, they had no authorized distributors, and that purchases of their equipment should be made directly through them. This letter was uploaded into the AP briefcase, in eCMS.

Contracting Officer's Certification: Purchase is approved in accordance with Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO) 6.103-1. I certify that the foregoing justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.