6632--VISN Tissue Processors

Request for Information (RFI) / Sources Sought

This RFI/Sources Sought notice is issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), VISN 22 Long Beach Network Contracting Office for information and planning purposes only. It is not a solicitation, and responses will not be considered offers. The VA is seeking to identify potential qualified sources and their business size classifications for supplies/services required by the VISN 22 Healthcare System, which includes multiple VA Healthcare Systems across several states.

Interested sources are requested to provide the following:

• Company name, address, and point of contact.

• Business size status (e.g., SDVOSB, VOSB, Hubzone, WOSB, Large Business) and whether the company is considered small under the identified NAICS code.

• Information on whether the company is a manufacturer, authorized distributor, or can provide an equivalent solution, including manufacturer name and business size if applicable.

• Details on the origin of end products and component costs if manufactured in the U.S. (at least 55% of total component cost).

• Information regarding designated/authorized distributors if the company is a large business.

• Details on any alterations, assembly, or modifications if the company is a small business and an authorized distributor/reseller.

• Intended subcontracting work percentage.

• Information on existing Federal Government contracts (e.g., FSS, GSA, NASA SEWP).

• Confirmation if all requested items/solutions are available on existing contracts.

• General pricing of products/solutions for market research purposes.

• Capabilities statement demonstrating the ability to meet salient characteristics or "equal to" items.

• Feedback or suggestions on salient characteristics/Statement of Work (SOW).

• SAM.gov Unique Entity ID/Cage Code.

• Responses must be submitted via email to a specified VA email address (not provided in the text). Telephone responses will not be accepted.

• The RFI number (36C26226Q0490) must be referenced in the email subject line.

• Responses must be received by a specified deadline (not provided in the text).

• All information received will be handled as proprietary if marked.

• Responders are responsible for all associated costs.

• Responses to this RFI are for planning purposes only and do not guarantee a solicitation will be issued.

• If a solicitation is issued, all interested parties must respond separately to that announcement.

• This notice does not add parties to a prospective bidders list or guarantee a copy of the solicitation.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a solicitation (36C26226Q0490) for VISN Tissue Processors. The Department of Veterans Affairs, Network Contracting Office 22, is seeking to procure these processors.

Specific requirements and deliverables are detailed in the attached "P02 - Tissue Processor SOW" document.

Not specified in this document.

• Response Date/Time/Zone: March 23, 2026, 07:00 Pacific Time, Los Angeles, USA.
• Archive: 30 days after the response date.

Not specified in this document.

• Solicitation Number: 36C26226Q0490
• NAICS Code: 334516
• Product Service Code: 6632
• Contracting Office Address: Department of Veterans Affairs, Network Contracting Office 22, 4811 Airport Plaza Drive, Suite 600, Long Beach CA 90815.
• Place of Performance: VISN 22, Network Contracting Office 22, Long Beach CA 90815, USA.
• Point of Contact: Marcos Diaz, Contract Specialist, Marcos.Diaz@va.gov.
• Attachments Referenced: "P02 - RFI 36C26226Q0490" and "P02 - Tissue Processor SOW."

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

To procure Tissue Processors for Histology Departments at multiple VA facilities and to establish a service and maintenance agreement following the warranty period.

• Provide new, current model Tissue Processors meeting or exceeding specified minimum requirements.

• The instruments are intended for processing human tissue specimens for clinical and research histology.

• The acquisition does not involve connecting contractor IT devices to the VA network, thus C&A requirements are not applicable.

• Instruments must not store data or accept patient demographic information.

• Tissue Processor Specifications:

  • Internal instrument software for performance monitoring.
  • Ability to process human tissue for clinical and research histology.
  • Continuous monitoring of vital functions with immediate failure notification.
  • Reagent rotation management.
  • Ability to use non-proprietary reagents.
  • Capacity to accommodate a total of 600 cassettes (e.g., 2 instruments of 300 each, or 1 instrument of 600).
  • Must detail potential volume capacity for small biopsy, large tissue, and fatty tissue.
  • Automated reagent reconstitution and volume monitoring.
  • Automatic solution transfer.
  • Temperature-controlled retort.
  • Xylene-free processing capability.
  • Closed system preferred.
  • Dual retorts preferred.
  • Solution detection and management.
  • Ability to program delayed start times and multiple protocols.
  • Filtering system to reduce noxious fumes.
  • Include paraffin and reagent reservoirs with at least 4 level sensors.
  • Power requirement: Single phase, 115 VAC ± 10%, 50/60 Hz, 12 A.

• Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS):

  • One UPS per instrument.
  • Line-interactive with line conditioning.
  • Minimum 20 minutes of power after failure.
  • Automatic controlled shutdown capability.
  • Audible alarms (power failure, low battery, overload).
  • Display showing battery status and charge.
  • At least 4 power outlets.
  • Output voltage (Max): 120 V.

• Documentation:

  • Procedure manuals, troubleshooting manuals, and operator manuals.
  • Environmental requirements (heat/cool, humidity, light) and storage recommendations.
  • Maintenance requirements (user vs. manufacturer performed).
  • System dimensions and utility requirements (electrical, heat/cool, humidity).
  • Description of daily/weekly/monthly maintenance.
  • Description of any environmental impact issues (water, disposal).
  • Description of user-friendliness and troubleshooting ability.

• Support Services:

  • Manufacturer must provide service Monday-Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm local time.
  • Technical support available Monday-Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm local time, through the manufacturer.

• 90 days After Receipt of Order (ARO) for delivery and installation.

• Service and maintenance agreement to commence immediately after the warranty period ends.

• Equipment must be the newest and most current model; refurbished systems are not acceptable.

• Equipment must be a standard product of the manufacturer of record.

• Any additional costs (industrial funding fees, shipping, usage fees) must be clearly indicated.

• All necessary accessories for operation must be listed in the pricing schedule.

• Mandatory value-added characteristics include providing SDS, OSHA, and safety documents, environmental requirements, and defined maintenance schedules.

• This is a brand name or equal RFI. Equal products must meet or exceed salient characteristics.

• Quantities are being finalized but are estimated up to 14 units of the specified Tissue Tek VIP 6 AI Vacuum and 14 units of the specified Uninterrupted Power Supply.

• Any additional costs must be clearly indicated in the price quote.