7A21--GAIT Analysis Machine (Medical Research) Intent to Sole Source
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), Network Contracting Office (NCO) 12, intends to issue a sole source purchase order to Stoelting Co. for a G.A.I.T. (Gait Analysis and Imaging Tool) system. This system is required by the William S. Middleton Memorial VA Medical Center in Madison, WI, for a MERIT-funded traumatic brain injury (TBI) research project. This is an intent to sole source, not a competitive solicitation.
Purpose & Scope
The acquisition is for a commercial, integrated gait analysis platform. The Ugo Basile G.A.I.T. system provides simultaneous ventral and lateral high-resolution imaging, automated AI-driven gait detection, and artifact correction. These features are essential for accurate post-TBI locomotion analysis in mice, supporting critical medical research.
Sole Source Justification
Market research confirms that Stoelting Co. is the exclusive authorized U.S. distributor of the Ugo Basile G.A.I.T. system. No other vendor or system has been identified that can meet the required technical specifications, particularly the dual-view imaging and AI-based artifact correction capabilities necessary for this research. Consequently, the VA Rule of Two and Nonmanufacturer Rule cannot be satisfied for a set-aside, necessitating an unrestricted, sole-source award. No verified VOSB/SDVOSB or U.S. manufacturer provides an equivalent product.
Contract Details
- Anticipated Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price (FFP)
- Item: Commercial Item Purchase
- Delivery: One-time delivery
- Set-Aside: None (unrestricted, sole source)
- Product Service Code (PSC): 7A21 (IT and Telecom - Business Application Software)
- Place of Performance: William S. Middleton Memorial VA Medical Center, Madison, WI
Submission & Response
This notice is an intent to sole source and not a request for competitive quotes. However, parties who believe they are capable of supplying an item that meets all required specifications may submit a capability statement.
- Submission Deadline: May 14, 2026, 5:00 PM Eastern Time
- Submission Method: Email to Stacy Massey (Stacy.Massey@va.gov)
- Inquiries: No telephone inquiries will be accepted.
Additional Notes
The G.A.I.T. system qualifies as an IT commercial product, and therefore the IT exception to the Buy American statute applies. The government's determination not to compete this requirement, based on responses to this notice, is solely within its discretion. This notice does not constitute a solicitation and does not commit the Government to award a contract.