Q501--501- Emergency Anesthesiologists Notice of Sole Source Award
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 New Mexico VA Healthcare System (NMVAHCS), has issued a Notice of Sole Source Award to Wander Staffing LLC for Emergency Anesthesiologist Services. This award, valued at $1,553,354.40, addresses an urgent need for three (3) Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) anesthesiologists to maintain critical patient care and surgical services. The contract covers a six-month period from March 6, 2026, to September 5, 2026.
Scope of Work
Wander Staffing LLC will provide three (3) FTE anesthesiologists to support Operating Room (OR) and non-OR procedures at the NMVAHCS. These services are crucial to prevent unacceptable delays in patient care, avoid sending veterans to community care due to local capacity limitations, and ensure the continuity of surgical operations.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sole Source Award (Justification under GSAR Part 538.7104-3, ORDER > SAT)
- Awardee: Wander Staffing LLC (SDVOSB)
- Award Value: $1,553,354.40
- Period of Performance: March 6, 2026 – September 5, 2026 (6 months)
- Award Date: March 4, 2026
- Published Date: March 20, 2026
Justification & Rationale
The sole source award was justified by an urgent and compelling need. The NMVAHCS faced a critical shortage of anesthesiologists, with a vacancy rate exceeding 50% due to retirements and resignations, severely impacting the ability to keep ORs open and provide patient care. Wander Staffing LLC was selected for its immediate ability to provide qualified candidates, facilitating rapid credentialing and onboarding, thereby avoiding delays that would directly affect Veteran care. The hourly rate of $497.87 was determined to be fair and reasonable, consistent with GSA schedules and lower than current rates paid to another vendor.
Market Research
Limited market research was conducted for this emergency procurement. An RFI on GSA eBuy received six responses, including one from Wander Staffing, an SDVOSB vendor. A search on the SBA Dynamic Small Business search tool also identified Wander Staffing among 17 potential SDVOSB vendors for NAICS code 561230.
Future Opportunities
The VA is actively working to competitively award a long-term contract for anesthesiologist services, anticipated to begin on September 6, 2026. This current sole source award serves as a temporary solution until the competitive long-term contract is finalized.