6540--NX EQ Vitreoretinal Cataract System (VA-26-00044951)
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) is conducting market research through a Sources Sought Notice to identify qualified manufacturers capable of providing Vitreoretinal Cataract Systems for the Veterans Health Administration's (VHA) Non-Expendable Equipment National Program. The VA has identified the Alcon UNITY® system as the only known product meeting its minimum requirements for an integrated platform performing both cataract and vitreoretinal surgeries with optional laser photocoagulation. This notice seeks to determine if other manufacturers can provide an equal product that meets the specified salient characteristics. If no equal products are identified, the VA may proceed with a brand-name only acquisition. Responses are due by March 5, 2026.
Scope of Work
The required system must be an integrated platform capable of performing phacoemulsification, anterior vitrectomy, posterior vitrectomy, and laser photocoagulation in a single console. Key features include real-time pressure/flow control, high-speed dual-blade vitrectomy (≥30,000 cpm), advanced phacoemulsification reducing ultrasound energy, multi-spot illuminated endolaser, integrated gas delivery, and system-wide illumination/safety controls. These capabilities are critical for surgical efficiency, patient safety, and optimal outcomes, reducing OR time, infection risk, and improving recovery.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Market Research
- Anticipated Duration: One 12-month base period with four 12-month option periods.
- Set-Aside: None specified (market research stage).
- NAICS Code: 339112 – Surgical and Medical Instrument Manufacturing (size standard 1,000 employees).
- Response Due: March 5, 2026, 10:00 AM Eastern Time.
- Published: February 23, 2026.
Key Requirements / Salient Characteristics
The system must meet six salient characteristics, including:
- SC-1: Integrated real-time pressure and flow control for stable Intraocular Pressure (IOP).
- SC-2: High-speed dual-blade vitrectomy probe (≥30,000 cuts/minute).
- SC-3: Advanced phacoemulsification reducing ultrasound energy.
- SC-4: Multi-spot illuminated endolaser capability.
- SC-5: Integrated gas delivery system for precise gas-to-air mixture ratios.
- SC-6: System-wide illumination and safety controls, including workflow enhancements.
Submission Instructions
Responses must be emailed to cyiamaudia.jones@va.gov and Anthony.Zibolski@va.gov with the subject line "Response to Sources Sought Notice 36C10X26Q0073." Submissions should include company details (name, address, UEI, business size), manufacturer/distributor status, country of origin, ability to provide national supply, technical literature demonstrating compliance with salient characteristics (with page numbers), details on annual service plans, item pricing (including shipping and quantity discounts for set-aside determination), subcontracting opportunities, federal contract vehicles, and feedback on restrictive specifications.
Additional Notes
This notice is for planning and informational purposes only and does not constitute a commitment to award a contract. The Government will not pay for any information submitted.