Brand Name Only Olympus BX43 Microscope

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for the procurement of an Olympus BX43 Microscope system, including delivery, installation, and on-site training. The equipment is needed to replace the current microscope, which has reached the end of its life and is essential for patient diagnostics in the hematology section.

• One (1) Olympus BX43 Microscope system with Dual Side-by-Side capability.

• Delivery, installation, and on-site training for the equipment.

• All necessary labor, materials, tools, equipment, technical/maintenance manuals, and accessories.

• The equipment must be capable of polarization.

• Contract Type: Not explicitly stated, but implied to be a fixed-price contract based on the "Offer Due Date" and "Total Award Amount" fields.

• Period of Performance: Delivery, set-up, and installation to be completed within 30 days after award. Staff training to be completed within 15 days of installation/acceptance.

• Estimated Value: Not stated in the provided sections.

• Quotes must be emailed to colby.pasholk@va.gov.

• Offer Due Date: February 16, 2026, by 10:00 AM Local Time.

• Evaluation Criteria: Award will be made to the lowest price technically acceptable (LPTA) offer.

• The acquisition is listed as "UNRESTRICTED OR SET ASIDE: UNRESTRICTED".

• NAICS Code: 334516 (Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing)

• Size Standard: 1000 Employees

• The solicitation references FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-3, and 52.212-5, which are attached.

• Section B details contract administration, remittance, and invoice procedures.

• Section C outlines contract clauses, including those incorporated by reference.

• Section E details solicitation provisions and evaluation criteria.

Other / Unclassified

This document is a "Justification for Brand Name Only" for a purchase exceeding the micro-purchase threshold but not exceeding the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT). It justifies the sole-source procurement of an Olympus BX43 Microscope for the Department of Veterans Affairs, VISN 12, Great Lakes Acquisitions Center (GLAC), William S. Middleton VAMC, Pathology and Lab Department.

This document indicates a brand-name-only justification for a specific microscope. While it suggests a potential sole-source procurement, the Contracting Officer recommends posting a full and open solicitation to ensure the most practicable competition. Bidders should note that the government is seeking to replace an Olympus microscope due to its age and inability to be repaired. Key reasons for the brand-name-only justification include:

• Essential Equipment: The current Olympus microscope is a primary piece of equipment for patient care in the Laboratory Hematology Department.
• Unique Characteristics: The Olympus BX43 offers specific capabilities like polarization and side-by-side dual viewing, has a long lifespan, and requires minimal downtime. The VA relies on Olympus for parts compatibility and standardization across VISN 12 laboratories, which is crucial for efficient lab operations and staff training.
• Technical Superiority: Olympus BX43 microscopes offer higher numerical aperture (NA) values, leading to better light gathering and resolution for clearer images, vital for accurate patient diagnosis.
• Market Research: Market research did not identify two or more known SD/VOSB or small business manufacturers/resellers capable of providing the specific Olympus brand-name product, thus not meeting the VA Rule of Two or SBA Rule of Two. Despite this, the Contracting Officer recommends a full and open solicitation for competition.