65--NOTICE OF INTENT TO SOLE SOURCE - DIGITAL G.I. SCAN SYSTEMS

Page 2 of 2 Notice of Intent to Sole Source Digital Gastrointestinal Diagnosis Systems This notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotes. This procurement is being conducted in accordance with (IAW) 41 USC 3304(a)(1) and FAR 6.302-1, Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies Will Satisfy Agency Requirements. The NAICS code is 334510 with a size standard of 1250 employees. The Department of Veterans Affair s NCO-9, intends to issue a sole source firm-fixed priced purchase order to Covidien Sales, LLC., dba Given Imaging [Covidien], for the procurement of the following: Qty: One (1) ManoScan Esophageal Hi-Resolution Manometry System Qty: Three (3) Pillcam Capsule Endoscopy Systems Qty: One (1) - Reflux pH Testing (Bravo and Digitrapper) unless an interested party can show they can offer comparable products that meet or exceed the standards of Covidien s products described above under a single manufacturer. A sole source procurement will be issued to Covidien because the Lexington VA Medical Center [Facility] currently outsources this service to the detriment of the Veteran patient. The Facility found the biggest delay in care being with the wireless capsule as this test is used to identify specific locations for GI bleeding and small bowel cancers. With GI bleeding specifically, research has shown that it is best to perform capsule study as soon as possible after a GI bleed. Within 2 weeks is ideal. When sending these patients out via CITC, the procedure typically gets scheduled within 8 -12 weeks. Most outside providers require that the patient be seen in the clinic prior to moving forward with a procedure. Experience has shown that patients get scheduled with a GI provider in the community that does not even offer wireless capsule. In this scenario, the patient is assessed in the clinic then outsourced again to a different GI provider, delaying care even more. After the procedure is complete, the average time it takes for the outside provider to review and interpret images is 30-45 days. It can easily take 4-6 months from time of consult placement to obtain results. Providing these services in-house would give better control for the Facility to properly manage their patients, triage appropriately and get the procedure and results done timely. For example, it would increase earlier detection of small bowel GI bleeding and give quicker response for diagnose and treatment of small bowel cancers. Combining these three services: wireless capsule, ph/bravo, and manometry procedures under one manufacturer brand supports VA standardization efforts, which decreases the risk of user error, increases uniformity of practice and patient safety, and reduces overall cost to the Government in terms of equipment management and support. SCOPE OF WORK: Lexington VA Medical Center only seeks to procure these three systems within 30 days. No options for additional quantities were considered. Interested parties may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement and submit pertinent documentation supporting capability by Tuesday, June 4, 2019 at 3pm EST to: contact@example.gov, subject line: 36C24919Q0304. Responses received will be evaluated; however, a determination by the Government not to compete the proposed procurement based upon responses received to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Disclaimer and Important Notes: This notice does not obligate the Government to award a contract or otherwise pay for the information provided in response. The Government reserves the right to use information provided by respondents for any purpose deemed necessary and legally appropriate. Any organization responding to this notice should ensure that its response is complete and sufficiently detailed to allow the Government to determine the organization s qualifications to perform the work. Respondents are advised that the Government is under no obligation to acknowledge receipt of the information received or provide feedback to respondents with respect to any information received or provide feedback to respondents with respect to any information submitted. After a review of the responses received, a presolicitation synopsis and solicitation may be published in Federal Business Opportunities. However, responses to this notice will not be considered adequate responses to a solicitation.