Inactive

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS Justification and Approval (J&A) For Other Than Full and Open Competition (>SAT) Acquisition Plan Action ID:_36C246-21-AP-0738 Contracting Activity: Department of Vetera... DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS Justification and Approval (J&A) For Other Than Full and Open Competition (>SAT) Acquisition Plan Action ID:_36C246-21-AP-0738 Contracting Activity: Department of Veterans Affairs, VISN 06, NCO-6, VAMC Hampton Medical Center is the contracting agency and Hunter Holmes, VAMC Richmond is the organizational (requiring) activity for the proposed contracting action. The is a Justification and approval for a sole source award under Transaction# 652-21-1-039-0161. Nature and/or Description of the Action Being Processed: This is a new requirement, to be awarded on a sole source basis. The proposed procurement vehicle is a sole source, firmfixed price one time procurement.. Description of Supplies/Services Required to Meet the Agencyâ s Needs: The proposed action is to obtain a GEOMX/nCounter Analysis system. This equipment allows the clinical investigator multiple analyses at once (DNA/RNA/Protein) and from one sample. Current measurement methods are becoming outdated with new innovative equipment, like GEOMX are being manufactured. This system meets the need for high levels of precision and sensitivity for analysis, and it does this in as little as 15 minutes hands-on time. Compared to the current methods, this equipment processes the analysis in less time with more accuracy. All stakeholders, especially our veterans patients will benefit from this equipment which is instrumental in finding treatment of many metabolic diseases. This system will not only benefit the VAâ s Lipid Research Group but other divisions in our VA Healthcare system. Understanding gene expression reveals information required to treat metabolic diseases such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, alcoholic liver disease, cholestatic liver disease, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Metabolic research has become a VA research priority, since many veterans are diagnosed and have succumed to these diseases. This is a one-time deliverable. Statutory Authority Permitting Other than Full and Open Competition: ( X ) (1) Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements per 41 USC §3304(a)(1) as implemented by FAR 6.302-1; ( ) (2) Unusual and Compelling Urgency per 41 USC §3304(a)(2) as implemented by FAR 6.302-2; ( ) (3) Industrial Mobilization, Engineering, Developmental or Research Capability or Expert Services per 41 USC §3304(a)(3) as implemented by FAR 6.302-3; ( ) (4) International Agreement per 41 USC §3304(a)(4) as implemented by FAR 6.302-4 ( ) (5) Authorized or Required by Statute per 41 USC §3304(a)(5) as implemented by FAR 6.302-5; ( ) (6) National Security per 41 USC §3304(a)(6) as implemented by FAR 6.302-6; ( ) (7) Public Interest per 41 USC §3304(a)(7) as implemented by FAR 6.302-7; Demonstration that the Contractorâ s Unique Qualifications or Nature of the Acquisition Requires the Use of the Authority Cited Above (applicability of authority): Only One Responsible Source (FAR 6.302-1) â Nanostring Technonologies is the sole manufacturer and exclusive service provider for GEOMX/nCounter system. There is no system on the market with the examination capablilities of the GEOMX/nCounter system. Nanostringâ s GeoMS®Digital Spatial Profiling technology can detect and quantify proteins and RNA at significantly higher plex with spatial resolution. Nanostring is the only manufacturer that can provide the system and supplies. Nanostring has no authorized distributors or service personnel for this system. Unusual and Compelling Urgency (FAR 6.302-2, 6.303-2(a)(9)(ii)) Industrial Mobilization; or Engineering, Developmental, or Research Capability (FAR 6.302-3) - Authorized or Required by Statute (FAR 6.302-5) National Security (FAR 6.302-6) Public Interest (FAR 6.302-7) 6. Description of Efforts Made to ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential sources as deemed practicable: Sources Sought Synopsis: On 12/14/2020 an â Intent to Sole Sourceâ � synopsis was issued under RFI#36C24621Q0163. The request was for Nanostring Technologies GEOMX/nCounter Analysis System. 0 responses were received. VIP, SAM, DSBS, FPDS, usaspending.gov, NAC, SAC and contractdirectory.gov was accessed as part of the market research. There were no responses to these efforts using NAICS code 334516 and/or keyword(s) â GEOMX/nCounter systemâ �. 7. Determination by the CO that the Anticipated Cost to the Government will be Fair and Reasonable: CO will use award information from other contracts to other government facilities for the same and similar items to determine price reasonableness. 8. Description of the Market Research Conducted and the Results, or a Statement of the Reasons Market Research Was Not Conducted: As described in Section 6 above, market research, in accordance with FAR Part 10, was conducted by synopsis of the proposed acquisition, advising industry of the pending acquisition and soliciting inquiries from interested parties. 9. Any Other Facts Supporting the Use of Other than Full and Open Competition: none 10. Listing of Sources that Expressed, in Writing, an Interest in the Acquisition: Nanostring Technologies has shown interest in this acquisiton. 11. A Statement of the Actions, if any, the Agency May Take to Remove or Overcome any Barriers to Competition before Making subsequent acquisitions for the supplies or services required: No action(s) have been taken or will be taken to foster competition for future acquisitions of the supplies or services being acquired. This is a complex manufacturer specific system that cannot be duplicated nor should be duplicated for the sake of competition. 13. Approvals in accordance with the VHAPM Part 806.3 OFOC SOP: Contracting Officer or Designeeâ s Certification (required): I certify that the foregoing justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief. One Level Above the Contracting Officer (Required over SAT but not exceeding $700K): I certify the justification meets requirements for other than full and open competition. _____________________________ ________________________ Jay James Branch Chief, Supply Team IV Date NCO-6, Hampton _____________________________ ________________________ Keeshia Newman Date Division Chief, NCO-6, RPO-EAST, Hampton