Follett Blood Bank Refrigerators for Wilmington VAMC

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for the procurement of two (2) brand-name-only Follett Full-Size Blood Bank Refrigerators for the Wilmington VA Medical Center (VAMC). The VAMC requires these refrigerators to replace an existing, out-of-order walk-in refrigerator used for bulk reagent storage and to provide additional storage for laboratory supplies, reagents, and specimens, ensuring compliance with VHA and Laboratory accreditation standards.

• Two (2) Follett Model No. REF45-BB-00000G Blood Bank Refrigerators.

• Each refrigerator must be 45 cu ft capacity.

• Must meet AABB and FDA requirements for blood storage (1 to 6 C).

• Features: Stainless steel interior/exterior, dual pane locking glass doors, touchscreen digital LCD temperature display with data logging, user-programmable alarming and monitoring functions, 12 full extension stainless steel drawers.

• Warranty: 2 years parts, 5 years compressor parts, 2 years labor.

• Delivery within 30 days of award to Wilmington VAMC, Building 7, 1601 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, DE 19805.

• Delivery hours: 8 AM - 3 PM, Monday through Friday (excluding Federal holidays).

• No installation is required.

• Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price (intended).

• Period of Performance: Base contract period (specific dates not detailed in this section).

• Estimated Value: Not specified.

• Quotes are due by July 6, 2026, 12:00 PM EDT.

• Quotes must be submitted via email to gabriella.byrne@va.gov.

• Questions are due by June 29, 2026, 12:00 PM EDT.

• Offerors must submit an OEM Authorization Letter if not the OEM.

• Offerors must complete and submit SF 1449, Section B.2 Price/Cost Schedule, Section B.3 Delivery Schedule, and VAAR 852.219-76 (Limitations on Subcontracting), and E.3 52.225-2 (Buy American Certificate).

• Offerors must be registered in SAM.gov.

• Evaluation will be based on Lowest Priced Technically Acceptable (LPTA) criteria, considering Technical Specifications, Price, and SDVOSB status.

• Additional consideration will be given to certified SDVOSB/VOSB businesses in case of identical quotes.

• This acquisition is a total set-aside for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB).

• Offerors must be certified and listed in the SBA Veteran Small Business Certification Program.

• In accordance with VAAR 852.212-71, only new Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) items are acceptable.

• Offerors must submit an OEM letter of authorization.

• No follow-on work is anticipated.

Other / Unclassified

This document is a Justification for Single Source Award for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), specifically for the Wilmington VAMC. It justifies the procurement of two (2) Brand Name Only FOLLET Refrigerators (REF45-BB-00000G) under simplified acquisition procedures, not exceeding the Simplified Acquisition Threshold.

This document is relevant to potential bidders as it explains why a single source award is being considered for specific laboratory refrigerators. Key points include:

• Requirement: Two (2) Follett REF45-BB-00000G refrigerators, including components, accessories, and delivery.
• Justification for Single Source:
  • The Follett REF45-BB-00000G is a specialized unit for storing temperature-sensitive materials in research, medical, and scientific laboratories.
  • The VAMC has a positive track record with Follett refrigerators and its HVAC staff are familiar with their maintenance and repair.
  • Unifying the brand will be cost-effective for spare parts and quicker repairs.
  • All current medical refrigerators are compatible with the existing TEMP TRAK monitoring program, and Follett refrigerators are compatible.
  • Market research indicated no commercially available equal products meet the minimum needs, specifically regarding combined capabilities, safety features, and interoperability with VA systems.
• Recommendation: The Follett REF25 laboratory-grade refrigerator is mission-critical for regulatory compliance, integrity of specimens, and safe clinical operations. Non-laboratory-specific refrigerators cannot meet these standards.
• Contracting Officer Certification: The justification is approved as accurate and complete.