6515--ROTARY MICROTOME
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 VISN 22 Network Contracting Office, is conducting market research through a Request for Information (RFI) to identify potential sources for a Rotary Microtome Instrument for the VA San Diego Healthcare System in San Diego, CA. This RFI is for planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation. Responses are due by May 12, 2026, at 3:00 P.M. Pacific Time.
Scope of Work
The VA seeks a Rotary Microtome Instrument that meets specific salient characteristics, with a brand name or equal product. The required features include:
- An antistatic waste tray.
- Semi-motorized operation with manual capability.
- A coarse feed wheel with selectable turn direction.
- Object head movement speed between 200µm/s and 1800µm/s.
- A user-adjustable force balance system.
- Compatibility with both low and high profile blades.
- Interchangeable parts for individual blade holder component replacement.
- Dimensions not exceeding 477mm (width) x 620mm (depth) x 295mm (height).
- A digital display. The brand name example provided is the Leica Microsystems HistoCore MULTICUT (Configuration 149MULTI0C1) with a USA Power cord (14041157009).
Submission Requirements
Interested and capable sources should provide the following information via email to kahlfanie.carabon@va.gov:
- Company name, address, and point of contact.
- Business size status (e.g., SDVOSB, VOSB, HUBZone, WOSB, Large Business) relative to NAICS code 339112 (size standard 1000 employees).
- Confirmation of being a manufacturer or distributor, and the country of origin for the items.
- If a small business distributor/reseller, details on any alterations, assembly, or modifications made to the items.
- Information on existing federal contracts (e.g., GSA FSS, NAC, NASA SEWP), including contract type and number, and whether the items are available on schedule.
- General pricing for market research purposes.
- Clear, compelling, and convincing evidence demonstrating how "equal to items" meet all required salient characteristics.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI)
- Set-Aside: None specified (market research stage)
- NAICS: 339112 (Medical Equipment and Supplies Manufacturing)
- Product Service Code: 6515 (Medical And Surgical Instruments, Equipment, And Supplies)
- Response Due: May 12, 2026, at 3:00 P.M. Pacific Time
- Published: May 5, 2026
Additional Notes
This RFI is for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation or a binding contract. Responses are not offers. No remanufactured or gray market items will be accepted. Responders must be an authorized reseller, distributor, or dealer of the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), with verification provided. Telephone responses will not be accepted.