6515--Notice of Intent to Sole Source - Stellaris Elite Phacoemulsification System

The Department of Veterans Affairs, Network Contracting Office (NCO) 22, hereby provides notice of its intent to award a sole source, firm-fixed-price contract to Mercy Medical Equipment Company, 1303 S. Comal San Antonio, TX. 78207
The contract will be for Mercy Medical Equipment Company to provide Stellaris Elite Phacoemulsification System and associated handpieces for procedures at the Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System (SDVAHS) in San Diego, CA.
Determination of this single source procurement is in accordance with FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(2) and in conjunction with VAAR 819.7006. No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements per 41 U.S.C. § 1901 and as implemented by FAR 13.501(a). It is the Government s belief that the proposed candidate is the only vendor capable of providing the required items, as they are the sole Bausch + Lomb authorized SDVOSB reseller of the Stellaris Elite Phacoemulsification System and associated handpieces needed for this requirement.
Stellaris Elite Phacoemulsification System and handpieces, which are used for ophthalmic surgical procedures, are not only providing compatibility with surgical techniques already established and validated through prior clinical use for the surgical services at the facility, yet interchangeable with other OEM devices. No alternative OEM device meets these combined clinical, performance, and interoperability requirements. These will ensure surgeon proficiency and patient safety during the upcoming needed procedures.
THIS NOTICE OF INTENT IS NOT A REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE QUOTES. However, interested parties may identify their interest and capability to respond to this requirement no later than 12:00PM PT, Monday, August 31st, 2026 to Rochelle.Malveaux@va.gov. All interested parties shall submit clear and convincing documentation, which would include an authorized letter of distribution, in demonstrating their capabilities to satisfy the requirements listed. The capability documentation should include general information and technical background describing in detail the prospective contractor's capabilities and experience that will demonstrate the ability to support this requirement.
A determination not to compete this requirement, based upon responses to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement.
The Department of Veterans Affairs, NCO 22 will NOT be responsible for any costs incurred by interested parties in responding to this notice of intent. Only written responses will be considered. All responses from responsible sources will be fully considered. As a result of analyzing responses to this notice of intent, the Government shall determine if a solicitation will be issued. Any prospective contractor must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) in order to be eligible for award. Interested parties are encouraged to furnish information by email only with Response to Intent to Sole Source for Stellaris Elite Phacoemulsification System in the subject line. All documents submitted will not be returned.