6515--Pathology Tissue Processor - VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a Request for Quotes (RFQ) from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Pittsburgh Healthcare System for one new Pathology Tissue Processor. The processor is needed for the Pathology and Histology Laboratories to automate the process of tissue fixation, dehydration, clearing, and impregnation with paraffin wax, ensuring high-quality tissue sections for staining and analysis. The current tissue processor is outdated and experiencing wear and tear issues, impacting lab personnel's ability to scrutinize analysis due to potential inaccuracies.

• One (1) new Pathology Laboratory Tissue Processor.

• Minimum requirements (Salient Characteristics) include:

  • Weight: Max 363 lbs empty, 551 lbs full (reagents loaded).
  • Dimensions: Not to exceed 23" L x 28" W x 54" H.
  • Power: 100-240 Vac; 50/60 Hz; 1300 VA (max.), 300 VA (typical).
  • Monitoring: Status monitoring with clear visual and audible alarms/warnings for problems and specimen safety.
  • Features: Automatic reagent rotation, pre-heating of reagents up to 35°C, alcohol quality measurement, touch screen interface, downdraft ventilation, reaction chamber with three fill levels, 5-liter reagent bottles, easy access wax tank, automatic paraffin rotation system.

• Must be able to order additional supplies (baskets, cleaning accessories, fume extraction kits, filters, reagent/paraffin kits).

• Incidental Services: Contractor installation and basic training for a designated superuser.

• Delivery: To VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, FOB Destination.

• Contract Type: One-time Firm Fixed Price.

• NAICS Code: 334516 - Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing.

• Product/Service Code: 6515 - Medical and Surgical Instruments, Equipment, and Supplies.

• Offers are due by 03-13-2026 at 3:00 PM EST.

• Quotes must be submitted via email to the Contracting POC listed in Block 7a of SF 1449.

• Evaluation will be based on a comparative evaluation of offers, considering Technical, Warranty, Delivery, and Price.

• Price preference will be given to domestic end products.

• Offerors must submit an Authorization Letter from the OEM if not the OEM.

• Offerors must complete SF 1449, including specific blocks and sections.

• Offerors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM).

• This acquisition is set aside for Small Business.

• NAICS code 334516 has a size standard of 1000 employees.

• The solicitation incorporates FAR clauses by reference, including 52.212-1, 52.212-3, and 52.212-5.

• Vendor credentialing through Symplr is required for on-site work.

• Specific security prohibitions and exclusions are detailed in clause C.1 52.240-91.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a pre-solicitation notice for the Department of Veterans Affairs, 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 is anticipated to be posted on or about March 10, 2026.

• Potential offerors are responsible for monitoring SAM.gov Contract Opportunities for the release of the solicitation package and any amendments.

• Offerors must download their own copy of the solicitation package.

• All interested parties must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) prior to award.

• Response Date/Time/Zone: March 13, 2026, 3:30 PM Eastern Time, New York, USA.

• The solicitation will be 100 percent set-aside for Small Businesses.

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

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

• This notice does not obligate the Government to award a contract or pay for proposal preparation costs.

• The Government is not obligated to issue a solicitation based on this notice.

• No further information is available until the issuance of the solicitation.

• Point of Contact: Stanley Kwasny, Contracting Specialist, stanley.kwasny@va.gov.