BULK OXYGEN

This Special Notice of Intent (NOI) is not a request for competitive proposals.  This is not a solicitation or request for offers.  The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Long Beach Healthcare System, intends to award a delivery order to Matheson Tri-Gas Inc. for delivery of bulk oxygen, rental of the main and backup tank, Telemetry, Certificate of Analysis (COA) upon delivery, and Portal Admin fee. The unusual circumstances leading to justification for other than full and open competition is the accessibility of the main and back-up oxygen tanks. Both tanks are currently located adjacent to the Mental Health construction project that is still under construction. The construction area surrounds both tanks and there is limited access. Removal and installation of a new system, including commissioning, would create significant hardship for the facility. Engineering services does not have the capacity to manage another small construction project due to staff shortage. No contingency plan has been put in place to do any type of design or construction to support new equipment transition at this time. The system is currently operational. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this requirement is 325120. The Product Service Code (PSC) is 6835. Any response to this notice must show clear and convincing evidence that competition would be advantageous to the Government. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct competitive procurement.  A decision by the Government not to conduct competitive procurement for the proposed order based upon response to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. The anticipated acquisition procedures are in accordance with (IAW) Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 13.106-1(b)(1) soliciting from a single source for purchases not exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold which states that the Contracting Officer (CO) may solicit from one source if the CO determines that the circumstances of the contract action deem only one source reasonably available due to unusual circumstances and urgency. All inquiries shall be submitted via email to Anthony.delacruz@va.gov.