6515--Sources Sought: Colorectal Analyzer for the Northport VA Medical Center. In support of the Fecal Immunochemical Testing Program.

Quick Summary

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), specifically the VISN 02 Network Contracting Office, has issued a Sources Sought Notice to identify potential domestic sources for a colorectal analyzer. This equipment is needed to support the mailed Fecal Immunochemical Testing Program at the Northport VA Medical Center. This is for market research and planning purposes only; it is not a solicitation. Responses are due by June 5, 2026, at 16:00 EST.

Purpose

The VA is conducting market research to gain knowledge of qualified sources under NAICS code 334516 (Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing, size standard 1,000 employees). The goal is to identify vendors capable of providing a colorectal analyzer that meets specific salient characteristics, with a preference for U.S.-manufactured equipment.

Key Requirements

The sought-after colorectal analyzer must, at a minimum, meet the following salient characteristics:

• FDA-approved instrument and test.
• Domestic source (manufactured in the United States).
• Accurate, timely, and reliable performance with bi-directional interface capabilities (preferably Vista/Data Innovation).
• Immediate start-up, onboard stability of reagents, and minimum six-month reagent shelf life at delivery.
• Scan-in patient samples (no manual entry), ability to change reagents during operation, ease of use, random access, and walk-away testing.
• Vendor to provide on-site technical assistance for initial setup, data collection, and analysis, plus on-site staff training.
• Minimum one-year warranty and included service (preventive maintenance at least annually, extended service/repair).
• Capable of detecting human hemoglobin (removing dietary restrictions) and providing accurate/reproducible results on fecal specimens.
• Specimen transport system stable for a minimum of 14 days at ambient temperature and a mailing system meeting USPS requirements.
• Provides printouts for all patient results, calibrators, and controls, with a design preventing sample carryover.
• Operates satisfactorily between 15-85% humidity and 50-90°F (10-30°C).
• Includes a 120-volt UPS with 2-3 hour backup capability.
• Compatible with multiple barcode formats (e.g., Code 39, 128, Codabar, VA standard).
• System must store and retransmit records (24 hours of maximum instrument throughput) and meet CLSI standards for accuracy and validation.

Submission Requirements

Interested parties must submit the following via email:

• Company name, address, point of contact.
• Business size status (e.g., SDVOSB, VOSB, WOSB, Large Business) and confirmation of small business status under NAICS 334516.
• Indicate if manufacturer, distributor, or equivalent solution provider.
• Details on designated distributors (if large business) or alterations/modifications (if small business distributor/reseller).
• Estimated percentage breakdowns for subcontracted work.
• Information on existing federal contracts (FSS, GSA, NAC, NASA SEWP) and item availability on those contracts.
• General pricing information (for market research only).
• Clear, compelling, and convincing evidence of capabilities demonstrating compliance with all salient characteristics, especially for "equal to" items.
• Confirmation of domestic manufacturing (United States).
• Feedback or suggestions on the salient characteristics/Statement of Work.
• SAM.gov Unique Entity ID number.

Response Information

• Response Due Date: June 5, 2026, 16:00 EST.
• Submission Method: Email to Jonatan.rondon@va.gov.
• Point of Contact: Jonatan Rondon, Contracting Officer, jonatan.rondon@va.gov, 212-686-7500 ex. 16490.

Important Notes

This is solely a Sources Sought Notice for information and planning. It does not constitute a solicitation, and responses are not offers. All expenses incurred in responding are the responsibility of the responder. A future solicitation, if issued, will be announced separately.