6515--Vascular Instruments-SPS Cincinnati VAMC

The Department of Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, Network Contracting Office 10, intends to award a sole source contract to Scanlan International for the procurement of specialized vascular surgical instruments needed at the Cincinnati VA Medical Center. These proprietary Scanlan micro-surgical instruments, which include micro needle holders, forceps, specialized scissors, and other surgical tools, are essential for supporting the Vascular Surgery and Sterile Processing Services departments. The requirement is driven by the addition of two vascular surgeons who use the existing Scanlan platform, and the need to maintain consistency in instrument tracking, assembly, and sterile processing. The proprietary features of the Scanlan instruments, such as DIAMOND DUST jaws and Never Shear Dual Guide technology, are critical for clinical performance and surgical standardization, making alternatives from other manufacturers unsuitable. The procurement is planned as a firm-fixed-price purchase and will be conducted under FAR Part 12.102 restricting competition, emphasizing that Scanlan International is the only source capable of meeting these clinical and functional specifications. The notice explicitly states that this is not a solicitation for competitive bids, and any challenge to the sole source determination must provide clear and convincing evidence supporting competition. Responses are due by May 26, 2026. The intention is to ensure uninterrupted patient care by maintaining surgical instrument consistency and minimizing risks associated with mixing instruments from multiple suppliers, which could complicate sterile processing and tray assembly workflows at the medical center.