65--Intent to Procure Sole Source from Synthes Inc.

The Department of Veterans Affairs Network 22 Logistics Office plans to procure 231 surgical self-tapping and locking plates and screws from Synthes Corporation to replenish and upgrade four existing operating room surgical kits at the VA San Diego Healthcare System. This procurement will be conducted through a sole source acquisition, following commercial item procedures governed by the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 12, and the authority for other than full and open competition under FAR 6.302-1. The intent is to finalize the purchase with Synthes Corporation, located in Paoli, Pennsylvania, to meet the specialized surgical needs of the VA facility in San Diego. This notice serves not as a request for offers, but rather to gather information to determine if a competitive procurement is necessary. All responses submitted by 3:00 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time on December 9, 2005, will be reviewed solely for this purpose, with the Government retaining discretion to proceed with or decline a competitive process. The contract award is anticipated by December 10, 2005. Interested parties may submit written inquiries or comments by fax, directed to Roger Chapin at the provided contact number.