6515--Pathology Tissue Processor - VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System
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 VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, is seeking to procure one (1) new Pathology Tissue Processor for its Pathology and Histology Laboratories. This acquisition is UNRESTRICTED. Offers are due by April 3, 2026, at 8:00 AM EST.
Scope of Work
The requirement is for a new tissue processor to automate the preparation of tissue samples for microscopic examinations, replacing an outdated system. The device must perform tissue fixation, dehydration, clearing, and impregnation with paraffin wax. Key salient characteristics include:
- Dimensions: Max 23” L x 28” W x 54” H; Weight: Max 363 lbs (empty), 551 lbs (full).
- Power: 100-240 Vac; 50/60 Hz; 1300 VA (max.), 300 VA (typical).
- Features: Status monitoring, specimen safety, automatic reagent rotation, pre-heating of reagents (up to 35°C), alcohol quality measurement, touch screen, downdraft ventilation with formaldehyde neutralization filter, three fill levels in reaction chamber, 5-liter reagent bottles, easy access wax tank, automatic waste wax discard.
- Accessories: Must support additional baskets, cleaning accessories, external fume extraction adapters, filters, reagent bottles, and paraffin kits. Incidental services include installation, basic training for a designated superuser, and delivery to Pittsburgh VA Medical Center.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Request for Quotes (RFQ) under FAR Part 12 for commercial products and services.
- Set-Aside: UNRESTRICTED.
- NAICS Code: 334516 - Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing (Size Standard: 1,000 employees).
- PSC: 6515 - Medical And Surgical Instruments, Equipment, And Supplies.
- Offer Due: April 3, 2026, at 8:00 AM EST.
- Published: February 26, 2026.
- Place of Performance: VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA 15240.
Evaluation
Offers will be evaluated using a comparative evaluation approach, which includes a 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.
Vendor Requirements
Vendors must be credentialed through Symplr (https://vcsdatabase.com/login) and adhere to VA Pittsburgh Policy LD-073, including up-to-date flu vaccination, TB test, Covid-19 vaccine, and HIPAA certification, all at the vendor's cost. On-site access is by appointment only, requiring check-in via Symplr kiosk and a company badge with photo ID.