65--pre sol phase| reviewing J&A that service sent| Market research RFI FBO and GSA |PALT 7/29/2015 |

****Request for information only**** FBO ID# VA243-15-N-1099 Response date (Deadline): July 20, 2015 Sources Sought: This request for information (RFI) is posted for market research purposes ONLY. It is not a solicitation. Purchase of 1 Leica RM2255 Config 2 Rotary Microtome with 1 foot switch. Statement of need: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) JJP VA Medical Center - Bronx, NY Veterans Healthcare Network VISN 3 has a requirement for purchase of 1 Leica RM2255 Config 2 Rotary Microtome with 1 foot switch Product or service description: " Purchase of 1 Leica RM2255 Config 2 Rotary Microtome with 1 foot switch for Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Service to be used in the Histology section of the laboratory. Equipment is used to cut thin slices of prepared tissue (sections) that will be stained & mounted on slides and viewed by pathologists for diagnosis. STATEMENT OF WORK " The microtome is a tabletop unit used to cut tissue samples submitted to the Histology laboratory (including biopsy, surgical, cytology, & FNA tissue samples). The foot switch is an accessory that allows the technologist hands free usage. " Performance requirements for the microtome include efficiency & precision. The safety features and ergonomic design benefit the users. " The two-in-one design concept of the Leica 2255 rotary microtome allows motorized, as well as manual sectioning (cutting) when needed. The foot switch accessory aids in continuous work flow by freeing up the operator's hands to retrieve sections as soon as they are cut. " Motorized sectioning also provides high quality, reproducible sectioning. " Ergonomic considerations are noted with the smooth hand wheel rotation, the one handed universal cassette clamp used to hold or release specimens, and the ease of access for cleaning the microtome. Motorized sectioning also reduces repetitive hand movements which reduces ergonomic injury. " The universal knife holder includes an integrated finger guard that covers the entire blade which enhances user safety. Type of Procurement: The responses to this Request for Information (RFI) will help determine what, if any, type of set-aside All interested parties should provide the following information via e-mail only to the Contracting Officer by the stated deadline: 1. Comprehensive information about relevant products and services. 2. Business size and socio-economic status 3. Company Point of Contact information For planning and scheduling purposes, to insure being included in our market research for this product, responses must be received no later than July 20, 2015. Time permitting, responses received after that date may be included in our research but cannot be guaranteed. Contracting Office Address: VISN 3 Network Contracting Office (NCO3) James J. Peters VA Medical Center 130 West Kingsbridge Road, Bronx, New York 10468-3992 Place of Performance: The Veterans Health Administration of Bronx, NY: James J. Peters VA Medical Center 130 West Kingsbridge Road, Bronx, NY 10468 Point of Contact(s): MICHELLE SYLVA-BROWN Contract Specialist E-mail: contact@example.gov Disclaimer This "Sources Sought" Request For Information (RFI) notice is issued solely for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation. All information received in response to this RFI that is marked as proprietary will be handled accordingly. In accordance with FAR 15.201(e), responses to this notice are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. Responders are solely responsible for all expenses associated with responding to this RFI.