6550--RFI -Brand Name or Equal to _Roche Supplies
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 NCO 16, is conducting a Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI) to identify qualified contractors for Anatomic Pathology Diagnostic Staining Instrumentation Brand Name or Equal to for the Overton Brooks VA Medical Center in Shreveport, LA. This market research aims to assess industry capabilities, compliance, and pricing to determine if a small business set-aside is appropriate. Responses are due by February 16, 2026.
Scope of Work
The requirement is for fully automated diagnostic staining instrumentation for special stain and immunohistochemical stains. Contractors must provide all proprietary bulk reagents, ready-to-use (RTU) antibodies, and staining kits. Key requirements include:
- Reagents with at least an 18-month expiration from shipment.
- Installation (if required), operational updates, and upgrades.
- Timely repair service and support (within two-hour telephone call back) and 24/7 phone technical support.
- Delivery within 7-10 business days from award.
- User manuals, reference guides, and warranty coverage.
- All products must be new, high quality, with at least a two-year expiration from order time.
Contract Details
- Opportunity Type: Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI)
- Anticipated Contract Type: Competitive, Firm Fixed-Price contract, likely a Reagent Rental agreement.
- Period of Performance: Base Year (Feb 18, 2026 - Feb 17, 2027) with four (4) one-year option periods.
- NAICS Codes Under Consideration: 325413 (In-Vitro Diagnostic Substance Manufacturing / 1200 Employee) and 334413.
- Set-Aside: Market research is being conducted to determine if a small business set-aside is appropriate. Small Business Concerns are highly encouraged to respond.
Submission & Key Dates
- Responses Due: February 16, 2026, at 10:00 AM CST
- Questions Due: February 12, 2026, at 10:00 PM CST
- Submission Method: Email to rhonda.gibson2@va.gov
- Subject Line: "36C25626Q0389-RFI-Sources Sought- Anatomic Pathology Diagnostic Staining Instrumentation Brand Name or Equal to – Shreveport, LA 71101"
- Required Information: Contractors must answer all questions (5a through 5w) in the RFI, provide required documentation, descriptive literature, and an authorization letter. Compliance with Nonmanufacturer Rule, Buy American Act, and Trade Agreements must be addressed.
Additional Notes
This is a Sources Sought notice for market research purposes only and does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) or any commitment by the Government to award a contract. Information provided will be used solely for market research.