VISN 23 Lab Cepheid Reagents

This is a Notice of Intent published in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 5.101(a)(1) requiring the dissemination of information regarding proposed contract actions.

This Notice of Intent is for a proposed award of a sole source, firm-fixed price Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity Contract in accordance with FAR 13.5 Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial Items and specifically FAR 13.501 Special Documentation Requirements, where acquisitions conducted under Simplified Acquisition Procedures are exempt from the requirements of FAR Part 6, but still require a justification using the format of FAR 6.303-2.

The statutory authority for applying the Simplified Procedures for Commercial Items of FAR 13.5 is 41 U.S.C. § 1901 and is implemented by FAR 13.106-1(b)(2) for restricting competition on this procurement. Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Service Will Satisfy Agency Requirements. It is not a request for competitive quotes. The Department of Veterans Affairs, Network Contracting Office 23 intends to award a sole source, firm-fixed price IDIQ Contract to Cepheid for laboratory testing supplies.

No Other Supplies or Service Will Satisfy Agency Requirements because the laboratory supplies, and reagent are specific to Cepheid. Market research revealed that Cepheid is the sole source distributor for the laboratory reagents currently being utilized by VA. Additionally, Cepheid is the only manufacturer that can provide the required testing supplies and reagents. The software system is routinely used by VA to provide laboratory testing for medical services for veterans in the VA Healthcare System.

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this requirement is 334516 and the service code is 6640. While this synopsis does not constitute a solicitation, interested vendors may identify their interest and capability to satisfy the requirement. All responsible sources may submit a capability statement, proposal, or quotation which shall be considered by the agency. The Government understands that Cepheid is the only vendor that can provide the requested services.

However, vendors that believe they can provide the capabilities required to fully meet the Government's requirement may submit information in writing to steve.ashby@va.gov within eleven calendar days after publication of this notice. Such documentation will be reviewed solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct the procurement on a competitive basis. A determination not to compete this requirement, based upon responses to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the Government.