6640--Brand Name Advanced Instruments Osmo1 Single-Sample Micro-Osmometer.

Other / Unclassified

This document is a Justification for Single Source Award (JSA) for a purchase exceeding the micro-purchase threshold but not exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold, in accordance with FAR 13.106-1. It details the requirement for one brand-name Advanced Instruments (Nova Biomedical) Osmo1® Single-Sample Micro-Osmometer, including its installation.

This document explains why the government intends to sole-source this acquisition. Key points for potential bidders include:

• Requirement: A new firm-fixed-price supply acquisition for a single-sample micro-osmometer.
• Purpose: The equipment is for measuring osmolality in serum/urine, plasma, and other body fluids to support patient care and meet Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) and College of American Pathologists (CAP) requirements.
• Sole Source Justification: Advanced Instruments, LLC is cited as the sole manufacturer offering an instrument that meets current technical, regulatory, and usability requirements. Specific features like a touchscreen UI, direct sampling, barcode scanning, and secure integration are highlighted as unique.
• Urgency: The current instrument, purchased in 2018, has reached its end-of-life and is no longer serviceable, impacting patient care and diagnostics. This purchase is described as a direct upgrade to minimize downtime.
• Market Research: A Sources Sought Notice yielded no responses. While other osmometer models exist (Gonotec, ELITech, Precision Systems), the document asserts they lack critical features such as Laboratory Information System (LIS) integration, audit trails, QC lockouts, micro-sample equivalence, and end-to-end clinical data/compliance features necessary for the VA clinical laboratory.
• Contracting Activity: Network Contracting Office (NCO) 16 supporting the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System (CAVHS).

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for the procurement and installation of one (1) Advanced Instruments Osmo1 Single-Sample Micro-Osmometer for the Clinical Chemistry Laboratory at the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System (CAVHS) in Little Rock, AR. The instrument is needed to measure osmolality in various body fluids to support patient care and meet laboratory accreditation requirements.

• Equipment: One (1) Advanced Instruments Osmo1 Single-Sample Micro-Osmometer (or approved equal).

• Scope: Includes delivery, installation, and testing of the instrument.

• Salient Characteristics:

  • Benchtop, single-sample micro-osmometer using freezing point depression.
  • Accepts serum, plasma, urine, and other body fluids.
  • Sample volume: 20 microliters or less.
  • Measuring range: 0–2000 mOsm/kg H₂O.
  • Throughput: Minimum 20 patient samples per hour.
  • Features: Touchscreen interface, integrated barcode scanner, integrated thermal printer, internal storage, connectivity ports (Ethernet/USB).
  • Calibration: Supports 2 or 3-point calibration and verification.

• Consumables: Initial supply of reagents, standards, and controls for installation, validation, and approximately one month of routine testing.

• Training: Onsite training for Clinical Chemistry staff on operation, calibration, QC, and basic maintenance. Onsite training for Biomedical Engineering staff on basic maintenance and troubleshooting if requested.

• Documentation: Operator’s manuals, technical/service manuals (if available), and manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedules.

• Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price.

• Delivery Location: Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, 2200 Fort Roots Drive, Warehouse Building 182, North Little Rock, AR 72114.

• Installation Location: Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, Clinical Chemistry Laboratory, 4300 W. 7th St, Little Rock, AR 72205.

• Warranty: Minimum one-year manufacturer’s warranty on parts and labor, starting upon acceptance.

• Submission Method: One electronic copy via email to the Contracting Officer (arlene.blade@va.gov).

• Due Date: May 18, 2026, 4:30 pm CDT.

• Evaluation Factors: Technical (confirmation of brand-name compliance) and Price.

• Required Documents:

  • Technical Volume: Confirmation of Advanced Instruments Osmo1, manufacturer specifications, OEM certification, completed Buy American Certificate (52.225-2).
  • Pricing Volume: Completed Section B.2 Price Schedule, Section B.1 Contract Administration, and acknowledgment of amendments.

• This acquisition is unrestricted.

• Offers must be for the brand name Advanced Instruments Osmo1 Single-Sample Micro-Osmometer or an approved equal.

• Failure to submit required OEM certification or the Buy American Certificate may deem the quote unacceptable.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a brand name only, unrestricted solicitation for an Advanced Instruments Osmo1 Single-Sample Micro-Osmometer. The government is procuring this specific instrument.

• Product: Advanced Instruments Osmo1 Single-Sample Micro-Osmometer

• Specifications: Amperage: 0.5 A, Display: Touchscreen, Hertz: 50/60 Hz, Model: Osmo1.

• Product Service Code: 6640

• NAICS Code: 334516

• Response Date/Time/Zone: 05-18-2026 4:30 pm CENTRAL TIME, CHICAGO, USA

• Set-Aside: None indicated (unrestricted solicitation).

• Contracting Office: ALEXANDRIA VA HEALTH CARE SYSTEM, NETWORK CONTRACTING OFFICE 16.

• Contracting Office Address: PO BOX 69004, ALEXANDRIA LA 71306-9004.

• Place of Performance: Department of Veterans Affairs, Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, 2200 Fort Roots Drive (Building 182), North Little Rock AR 72114, USA.

• Point of Contact: Arlene A. Blade, arlene.blade@va.gov.

• Referenced Documents: See attached document: 36C25626Q0696_1. See attached document: Attachment 1 Single Source Justification MPT to SAT_Redacted.