6515--SOURCES SOUGHT - 3D Bioprinter for Research Project for the Iowa City VA 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 Iowa City VA Healthcare System Research Department, is conducting a Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI) to identify potential sources for a 3D Bioprinter. This RFI, identified as VA RFI Number: 36C26326Q0401, aims to research the market for suitable equipment and determine the availability and capability of businesses to provide it, potentially challenging a sole-source acquisition. Responses are due by March 5, 2026, at 05:00 PM CT.
Purpose & Scope
This RFI is for market research purposes only and is not a solicitation. The research project requires a 3D bioprinter for creating human corneal endothelial grafts for transplantations. The VA is seeking to identify alternative bioprinters in the market that offer similar features to the U-FAB Activo 3D Bioprinter.
Key Details
- Opportunity Type: Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI)
- NAICS Code: 334516 (Size Standard: 1000 employees)
- PSC: 6515 (Medical And Surgical Instruments, Equipment, And Supplies)
- Place of Performance: Department of Veterans Affairs, Iowa City VA Healthcare System, Iowa City, IA.
- Set-Aside: None specified (market research stage).
Required Information from Responders
Interested parties must submit the following:
- Brand, model/model number, and descriptive literature of proposed equipment.
- Company Name, SAM UEI, Contact Person, Phone Number, and Email Address.
- Firm's business size status under NAICS 334516 (e.g., large, small, SDVOSB, VOSB, HUBZone, WOSB, SDB).
- Indication if services are provided on a Schedule contract (include Schedule, Contract Number, and Expiration Date).
- Details regarding the Nonmanufacturer Rule, if applicable.
- A letter from the manufacturer, less than one year old and signed, confirming authorization to distribute their products.
Technical Specifications (Reference - U-FAB Activo 3D Bioprinter)
The desired bioprinter should offer capabilities such as combining extrusion and droplet deposition, high cell viability printing, precise material deposition on curved surfaces, camera-guided real-time printing path adjustments, and integration with external objects. It should include multiple dispensers for varying viscosities, UV/Temperature/Chemical/Enzymatic/Ph-Sensitive crosslinking, a PC/Windows interface, and a 720p HD Camera.
Submission Details
- Response Deadline: Thursday, March 5, 2026, by 05:00 PM CT.
- Submission Method: Email responses to Joseph.Bennett@va.gov.
- Subject Line: Must include "VA RFI Number: 36C26326Q0401".
Contact Information
- Contracting Officer: Joseph Bennett
- Email: Joseph.Bennett@va.gov
- Phone: 319-688-3633