6515--FY26: Liver Retractor
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), specifically the Network Contracting Office (NCO) 8, Orlando VA Medical Center (OVAMC), has issued a Sources Sought Notice for a Liver Retractor. This is market research to identify qualified businesses capable of manufacturing or providing a high-performance surgical retraction system for the VA Orlando Healthcare System. Responses are due by January 30, 2026, at 1:00 PM ET.
Purpose & Scope
This notice is for market research only, not a solicitation or Request for Quote (RFQ). The government aims to make an appropriate acquisition decision and gain knowledge of potential qualified businesses, particularly regarding their Small Business Administration (SBA) size classification under NAICS 339112, Surgical and Medical Instrument Manufacturing, with a size standard of 1,000 employees. The Liver Retractor is designed for complex hepatobiliary procedures, liver transplants, oncology resections, and bariatric surgeries.
Key Requirements (Salient Characteristics)
The required Liver Retractor must feature:
- Bilateral Frame Setup: For simultaneous multiplane tissue retraction and stable exposure.
- Blade and Paddle Selection: Extensive interchangeable blades (Balfour, Kelly, Richardson, Harrington, St. Marks) and malleable paddles, with non-slip Balfour blades.
- Multi-Dimensional Retraction: Supports asymmetrical retraction and multiple planes with strong stability.
- Micro-Adjustable Retraction Strength: Precise control via clip-on and cam-joint mechanisms.
- Structural and Mechanical Features: Arm retractors that fix securely to the operating table, Elite III rail clamps, and articulated joints for modularity.
- Radiolucent Options: Availability of radiolucent blades for intraoperative imaging.
- Versatility: Optimized for liver resections, transplants, hepatobiliary oncology, bariatric, and complex abdominal/pelvic operations.
- Ease of Use and Safety: Anatomical blade designs to reduce tissue trauma and an open frame system for incremental readjustments.
- Clinical Advantages: Provides deep surgical exposure, enhances surgeon ergonomics, and is durable, reusable, and modular.
Submission Requirements
Interested contractors must submit a capability statement (maximum 5 pages) via email by the deadline. The statement must include:
- Company name, address, point(s) of contact, title, phone, email, CAGE code, and SAM UEI number.
- Company's business size and number of employees.
- Company's socioeconomic status.
- SDVOSB/VOSB respondents must demonstrate the ability to provide a product manufactured by a small business.
Contract & Timeline
- Opportunity Type: Sources Sought (Market Research)
- NAICS Code: 339112 (Surgical and Medical Instrument Manufacturing)
- Set-Aside: None specified (market research for small businesses)
- Response Due: January 30, 2026, 1:00 PM ET
- Published Date: January 26, 2026
- Submission Email: benjamin.amato@va.gov and carl.myers3@va.gov (Subject: RFI# 36C24826Q0267 Liver Retractor)
- Eligibility: Must be registered in SAM.gov.
Additional Notes
This is not a request for proposal, and the government will not reimburse costs incurred for preparing responses. Telephone and facsimile responses will not be considered, and no questions will be entertained at this time.