65--INSTRUMENT TRACKING SYSTEM

The purpose of this amendment is to post the following Justification: DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS IOWA CITY, IOWA #636A8 JUSTIFICATION FOR BRAND NAME REQUIREMENT JUSTIFICATION In accordance with the requirements of FAR 6.302-1, 6.303, and 6.304, I submit the following justifications: 1. The action being approved is a proposed acquisition of the Censis Censitrac instrument tracking system as a brand name product, in accordance with VAAR 852.236-90 - Restriction on Submission and Use of Equal Products, within solicitation VA-263-10-RQ-0469, for project, "Instrument Tracking System," for the VISN 23 medical centers. 2. VISN 23 is procuring an instrument tracking system to be used in the SPD departments, as well as other departments in the medical centers including the Operating Room environment. 3. The statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition is FAR 6.302-1 -- Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements, 41 U.S.C. 253(c)(5), and 38 U.S.C. 8109(b) and VAAR 806.3. 4. VISN 23 currently has Steris sterilizers throughout the medical centers. Any new equipment must be able to tie-in to the existing equipment. 5. The Request for Quote (RFQ) for the "Instrument Tracking System" containing this requirement shall be posted on GSA's e-Buy website as well as this J&A IAW FAR 5.102(a)(6). 6. It is determined that the anticipated cost to the Government will be fair and reasonable. 7. Market research and Engineer's personal experience determined that there are no other systems compatible that meets VISN 23's requirement to electronically interface with the existing Steris sterilizers to electronically track sterilization loads, including sets being flashed, and automate the process for archiving the sterilization records. 8. There are currently no specifications for this requirement that would facilitate full and open competition as the manufacturer's particular brand name product and features are essential to the Government's requirements, and market research indicates other companies' similar products will not meet the agency's needs. 9. There are no sources that have expressed a written interest in this acquisition. APPROVAL Based on the foregoing findings, I hereby determine, within the meaning of FAR 6.302-1 and in accordance with VAAR 806.304 and the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 that: a. It is in the best interest of VISN 23 to acquire the Censis Censitrac instrument tracking system as a brand name product, in accordance with VAAR 852.236-90 - Restriction on Submission and Use of Equal Products, within solicitation VA-263-10-RQ-0469, for project, "Instrument Tracking System," for the VISN 23 medical centers. Upon the basis of these justifications, I hereby authorize the sole source solicitation for this procurement and by signing this document certify that the justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief. ______Allison M. Bacon_________________ __08-18-10_____________ Contracting Officer DATE