Alcon Vitreoretinal Cataract System (VCS)
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 Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston, TX, is soliciting proposals for the procurement and installation of two ALCON UNITY® Vitreoretinal Cataract Systems (VCS). This is an Unrestricted, Firm-Fixed-Price acquisition for specialized ophthalmic surgical equipment. Offers are due by April 13, 2026.
Purpose & Scope
The overall purpose is to acquire two ALCON UNITY® VCS units for the Eye Operating Room at the Michael E. DeBakey VAMC. These systems are essential for performing both anterior segment (cataract) and posterior segment (vitreoretinal) ophthalmic surgery. The acquisition is justified as a brand-name only requirement due to the unique capabilities of the Alcon Unity VCS system, which integrates both functions into a single unit, addressing existing space limitations and offering trade-in value for current equipment. Market research indicated that the VA or SBA Rule of Two could not be met.
Key Requirements
The awarded contractor will be responsible for:
- Supplying, installing, and electrically interfacing two (2) ALCON UNITY® VCS systems.
- Providing comprehensive training to all staff members who will utilize the equipment.
- Ensuring all products meet the salient characteristics of the ALCON brand, including Intelligent Fluidics functionality for stable intraocular pressure.
- Submitting a projected schedule for key milestones, including verification, manufacture/assembly, delivery, and installation.
- Performing a Government Acceptance Test upon completion of installation.
- Providing all necessary labor, materials, tools, and equipment for installation, and removing all packing materials and waste.
Contract Details
- Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price
- Set-Aside: Unrestricted
- NAICS Code: 339112 (Surgical Appliance and Supplies Manufacturing)
- Size Standard: 1000 Employees
- Place of Performance: Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, TX
- Delivery: ARO 60 Days
Submission & Evaluation
- Questions Due: March 31, 2026, by 10:00 AM CST
- Offers Due: April 13, 2026, by 5:00 PM CDT
- Evaluation Criteria: Proposals will be evaluated based on Technical Capabilities (acceptable/unacceptable) and Price (fairness and reasonableness). The award will be made to the responsible offeror whose proposal is most advantageous to the Government, with the lowest-priced technically acceptable offer being prioritized for evaluation.
- Mandatory Requirements: Offerors must be registered in SAM.gov, and an authorized distributor letter is required for award.
Contact Information
For inquiries, contact Oney Kelly at Oney.kelly@va.gov or 713-350-2940.