6515--Pathology Tissue Processor - VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System

Statement of Need

The VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System requires a new tissue processor for its Pathology Department to automate the preparation of tissue samples for microscopic examinations. The current processor is outdated and experiencing significant wear and tear, leading to potential inaccuracies in analysis.

The purchase of a new tissue processor is necessary to ensure high-quality tissue sections for staining and analysis. The new device will automate tissue fixation, dehydration, clearing, and impregnation with paraffin wax.

• Weight: Max 363 lbs (empty), 551 lbs (full).

• Dimensions: Max 23” L x 28” W x 54” H.

• Power: 100-240 Vac; 50/60 Hz; 1300 VA (max.), 300 VA (typical).

• Features: Status monitoring with visual/audible alarms, specimen safety measures, automatic reagent rotation, pre-heating of reagents (up to 35°C), alcohol quality measurement, touch screen interface, downdraft ventilation with automatic fan and formaldehyde neutralization filter, reaction chamber with three fill levels, 5-liter reagent bottles, easy access wax tank, automatic waste wax discard system.

• Accessories: Must be able to order additional baskets, cleaning accessories, external fume extraction adapters, filters, reagent bottles, and paraffin kits.

• Installation: Required, coordinated through the COR.

• Training: Basic training for a designated superuser by the VA Chief of Pathology and Laboratory.

• Delivery: To Pittsburgh VA Medical CTR, University Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15240-1003. Vendor to coordinate with facility POC.

• Credentialing: Vendors must be credentialed through Symplr (https://vcsdatabase.com/login) and follow VA Pittsburgh Policy LD-073. This includes up-to-date flu vaccination, TB test, Covid-19 vaccine, and HIPAA certification. Registration is at the vendor's cost.

• On-site Access: By appointment only, check-in via Symplr kiosk, and wear a company badge with photo ID. Vendors are only permitted at the approved appointment location.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for the procurement of one (1) new Pathology Tissue Processor for the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System Pathology and Histology Laboratories. The procurement will be conducted in accordance with FAR Part 12 procedures.

• One (1) new Pathology Tissue Processor.

• Requirements and salient characteristics are detailed in the Statement of Need (Attachment P01).

• The contract will be for commercial products and services.

• Offers will be evaluated using comparative evaluation, including Technical Evaluation of Salient Features and Price.

• The solicitation incorporates FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-4, and 52.212-5 by reference or attachment.

• Offerors must submit offers by the date and time specified in Block 8.

• The offer due date is April 3, 2026, at 8:00 AM EST.

• This acquisition is UNRESTRICTED.

• NAICS Code: 334516 (Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing)

• Size Standard: 1000 Employees

• The solicitation number is 36C24426Q0316.

• The issuing office is Department of Veterans Affairs, Network Contracting Office 4, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System.

• The contract specialist is Stanley Kwasny.

• Delivery is FOB Destination.

• Delivery schedule is to be determined (TBD).

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a pre-solicitation notice for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Network Contracting Office (NCO) 4, regarding the purchase of a new Pathology Tissue Processor for the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System Pathology and Histology Laboratories.

• Procurement of a new Pathology Tissue Processor.

• The full solicitation will be posted on or about 02/25/2026.

• Response Date/Time/Zone: 03-02-2026 12:00 PM EASTERN TIME, NEW YORK, USA.

• The solicitation will be 100 percent set-aside for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB).

• NAICS Code: 334516 - Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing (Size Standard: 1,000 employees).

• Product Service Code (PSC): 6515 - Medical and Surgical Instruments, Equipment, and Supplies.

• Place of Performance: VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA 15240, USA.

• Contracting Office Address: Department of Veterans Affairs, Network Contracting Office 4, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, 1010 Delafield Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15215.

• Point of Contact: Stanley Kwasny, Contract Specialist, stanley.kwasny@va.gov, (412) 822-3781.