6515--Aspen Total Joint Program (Brand Name or Equal to)
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Erie, PA VA Medical Center, is seeking brand name or equal Aspen Surgical "Symmetry" orthopedic instruments to support its new Total Joint Initiative. This presolicitation outlines requirements for reusable surgical instruments for shoulder, knee, and hip procedures. Responses are due by April 21, 2026, at 4:00 PM ET.
Opportunity Details
The Erie, PA VA Medical Center is expanding its in-house capabilities for total joint replacement surgeries (shoulder, knee, hip). This initiative requires the acquisition of standardized, reusable orthopedic surgical instruments compatible with existing VA sterilization and operating room procedures. The procurement aims to establish consistent, system-based approaches for these procedures.
Scope of Work
The requirement is for the procurement of Aspen Surgical "Symmetry" orthopedic instruments, or functionally and dimensionally equivalent items. These instruments will be used to assemble standardized instrument trays for total joint procedures. A detailed list of 30 specific instruments, including various Symmetry Hooks, Osteotomes, Elevators, Retractors, Forceps, Curettes, Drivers, Rongeurs, and Mallets, is provided.
Key Requirements
Proposals must meet the following salient characteristics for technical acceptability:
- Functional Equivalence: Instruments must perform the same surgical tasks (bone cutting, manipulation, retraction, impaction) for shoulder, knee, and hip procedures.
- Dimensional Equivalence: Comparable blade widths, lengths, curvatures, and working end geometry. Minor variations are acceptable if they do not affect function or tray compatibility.
- Materials and Construction: Surgical-grade materials (e.g., stainless steel), suitable for high-volume, reusable surgical use, free of defects, and compliant with FDA, AAMI (ST79, ST81), and VA standards.
- Sterile Processing Compatibility: Must be compatible with Erie, PA VAMC's Sterile Processing Services (SPS) workflows, including moist heat (steam) sterilization, manual/ultrasonic cleaning, automated washer/disinfectors, and use in wrapped trays or rigid containers. Design must allow effective cleaning.
Contract & Submission
- Opportunity Type: Presolicitation (detailed Request for Quote/Solicitation)
- Product Service Code: 6515 (Medical And Surgical Instruments, Equipment, And Supplies)
- NAICS Code: 339113 (Surgical Appliance and Supplies Manufacturing)
- Set-Aside: None specified.
- Place of Performance: Erie VA Medical Center, 135 E. 38th Street, Erie, PA 16504.
- Delivery: FOB Destination, 30 Days After Receipt of Order (ARO).
- Response Due: April 21, 2026, at 4:00 PM ET.
- Security & Privacy: No C&A or MOU/ISA required as the vendor will not be on station.
Contact Information
For questions, contact Andrew Taylor, Contracting Officer, at andrew.taylor3@va.gov or 724-679-2327.