Q301--Benchmark Ultra Plus
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 Network Contracting Office (NCO) 17, intends to award a firm-fixed-price contract on a sole source basis to ROCHE DIAGNOSTICS CORPORATION (Ventana Medical Systems, Inc.) for a VENTANA BenchMark ULTRA PLUS Immunohistochemistry / In Situ Hybridization (IHC/ISH) stainer system. This system is required by the VA North Texas Histology section to meet current and projected testing volumes and maintain timely diagnostic services for Veteran patients. This notice is not a request for competitive quotes, but interested parties may submit capability statements by April 27, 2026, at 2:00 PM CST.
Scope of Work
The contractor shall provide one VENTANA BenchMark ULTRA PLUS IHC/ISH stainer system, including all required system software, uninterruptible power supply (UPS), monitor, scanner, printer, technical support, and customer training. Key requirements for the system include:
- Fully automated, random-access IHC/ISH staining platform with individual slide processing.
- Continuous loading of reagents, controls, calibrators, and samples.
- Error-proof reagent and commodity design with built-in safeguards.
- Modularity for adding staining capacity.
- Flexibility to optimize protocols, reagents, and timing.
- IHC stain menu with a broad range of disease-related markers using the VENTANA assay portfolio.
- Compatibility with existing VENTANA specialized staining products and existing Roche agreement.
- Ability to fit within the existing laboratory footprint (Histology Room 1B-328 at VANTHCS).
Additional services include installation, instrument validation guidance, preventive maintenance, on-site/off-site operator training, and technical support.
Contract & Timeline
- Contract Type: Firm-fixed-price (Sole Source)
- Statutory Authority: 41 U.S.C. 3304(a)(1), as implemented by FAR 6.302-1 (Only One Responsible Source).
- Period of Performance: Begins upon award and continues through completion of installation, validation, training, and applicable equipment warranty/service obligations.
- Place of Performance: Histology Section, Room 1B-328, Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Service, VA North Texas Health Care System, 4500 S. Lancaster Rd., Dallas, TX 75216.
- Response Due: April 27, 2026, at 2:00 PM Central Standard Time (CST).
- Published Date: April 14, 2026.
Rationale / Justification
The VA North Texas Histology section requires this specific system due to its unique compatibility with existing VENTANA reagents, established workflows, and current Roche contractual framework. Substituting a different platform would necessitate extensive revalidation, increased costs, extended implementation timelines, and risk disruption to patient care. Ventana Medical Systems, Inc. is deemed the only responsible source capable of meeting these requirements without unacceptable schedule, cost, and operational risk.
Submission & Evaluation
This is not a request for competitive quotes. However, interested parties who believe they can meet all technical specifications, stain menu, footprint, and compatibility requirements may submit a capability statement. Submissions must be sent via email to ognian.ivanov@va.gov by the deadline. A determination by the Government not to compete this requirement based on responses is solely at their discretion.
Additional Notes
Contractor personnel will have supervised access to VA premises for installation and service only, with no access to the VA laboratory information system (LIS) or VA data transfer.