J066--NEW – Base Plus 4 Option Yrs – Leica Cerebro Services
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 17 (NCO 17), on behalf of the South Texas Veterans Health Care System (STVHCS), intends to award a Firm Fixed Price (FFP) sole source contract to Leica Biosystems for Full Service and Preventative Maintenance of government-owned Leica Cerebro instrumentation. This equipment is located in the Histology Section at STVHCS in San Antonio, Texas. Capabilities statements are due by May 23, 2026, at 4:00 PM Central Time.
Scope of Work
The required services include comprehensive maintenance for the Leica Cerebro instrumentation. Key deliverables are:
- Onsite repair and application service during normal working hours.
- Services provided by Certified Leica Field Service Engineers (FSEs).
- All replacement parts (Certified OEM), labor, travel, and expenses.
- One (1) yearly scheduled preventative maintenance visit, including parts.
- Coverage for all applicable instrument shipping charges.
- 24/7 Toll-Free Hotline with same-day response.
- Emergency repair within 24 hours, or same-day response if both instruments are inoperable.
- Compliance with AABB and CAP accreditation policies and VHA Directive 1106.
Contract & Timeline
- Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price (FFP) Sole Source
- Period of Performance: Base Year + Four (4) Option Years
- NAICS Code: 811210 (Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance)
- Size Standard: $34 Million
- Product Service Code (PSC): J066 (Maintenance, Repair, and Rebuilding of Equipment: Instruments and Laboratory Equipment)
- Place of Performance: Histology Laboratory Section, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service, STVHCS, San Antonio, Texas
- Posted Date: May 13, 2026
- Capabilities Statement Due: May 23, 2026, 4:00 PM Central Time
Basis for Sole Source
This acquisition is being conducted as a sole source action under FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i) because Leica Biosystems is identified as the only responsible source. They are the sole authorized provider of factory-trained service engineers for Leica Cerebro instrumentation, possessing exclusive access to proprietary diagnostic and calibration software. Service by unauthorized providers could void the instrument warranty and expose the government to security risks or malware attacks. Only Leica Biosystems engineers are factory-certified and have access to the necessary OEM parts and specialized software to maintain compliance standards.
Response Instructions
This is NOT a request for competitive proposals. However, any responsible source believing it can fully meet this requirement may submit a capabilities statement. This statement must include documentation confirming authorization to service Leica Cerebro instrumentation, evidence of current Leica factory certifications for field service engineers, and confirmation of authorized access to Leica proprietary diagnostic and calibration software. Responses must be submitted electronically to the Contracting Officer, Ognian D. Ivanov (ognian.ivanov@va.gov), by May 23, 2026, at 4:00 PM Central Time. SAM.gov registration is required.