6640--Supplies - ThinPrep Cytoprocessor and Reagents - Ann Arbor
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 the NCO 10 in Ann Arbor, MI, has issued a Sole Source Justification for a Cost Per Test (CPT) contract to acquire a ThinPrep Cytoprocessor and associated reagents, consumables, and services. This requirement is for the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Services at the Lieutenant Colonel Charles S. Kettles VA Medical Center in Ann Arbor. The VA is transitioning to the ThinPrep system to align with industry standards and FDA requirements for HPV testing on expanded specimen types. The contract is anticipated to be a Firm-Fixed Price IDIQ with a five-year ordering period.
Scope of Work
The procurement includes:
- One (1) standalone automated Cytology Processing and Papanicolaou nontoxic staining system (specifically the Hologic ThinPrep 5000 processor).
- Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS), Printer, Toner, Parts.
- Technical and Service Manuals.
- Reagents, Consumables, and Supplies, including shipping and handling.
- Preventative and Emergency Repair Maintenance agreement (covering materials, labor, transportation).
- Operator and Pathologists training.
- Hardware and software updates.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Firm-Fixed Price IDIQ
- Duration: Five-year ordering period
- Period of Performance: February 16, 2026 – February 15, 2031
- Set-Aside: Restricted Competition (Only One Responsible Source)
- Published: February 12, 2026
Rationale for Sole Source
The VA is transitioning from the SurePath Cytoprocessor to the ThinPrep system to meet industry standards and FDA requirements for HPV testing on vaginal and anal specimens, which is not possible with the current SurePath fixative. ThinPrep specimens are proprietary to the Hologic system, requiring a Hologic Cytoprocessor for slide preparation. Market research identified the Hologic ThinPrep 5000 processor as the only instrument meeting all salient characteristics, including the ability to process all ThinPrep collection vials, interface with LIS, automated batch processing, and fit within laboratory space. Hologic Sales and Service, LLC, is the sole manufacturer and confirmed no distributors, meaning the VA and SBA Rule of Two cannot be met.
Market Research
Market research included searches on SBA (NAICS 334516), GSA, NAC, SCMC, and AddsUp. These efforts confirmed that Hologic is the only source for the required ThinPrep system and its proprietary components. The equipment is made in the USA, and the Buy America Act applies.
Action Items
This is a justification for a sole source award to Hologic Sales and Service, LLC. An intent to sole source will be posted to SAM.gov to advise industry of the pending acquisition and solicit inquiries from interested parties. Interested parties should monitor SAM.gov for this notice.