6630 - Brand Name or Equal COPAN Walk-Away Specimen Processor (WASP)

The Department of Veterans Affairs, through its Network Contracting Office 21 under Veterans Integrated Service Network 5, is seeking information from vendors regarding the purchase or lease of a brand name or equal COPAN Walk-Away Specimen Processor (WASP) for use at the VA Palo Alto Health Care System. The system is required to automate key microbiological specimen processing tasks including vortexing, inoculating, streaking, and Gram slide preparation, with the goal of improving efficiency, accuracy, and consistency while reducing manual handling and turnaround times. Full service support including installation, training, and software integration with the laboratory information system is expected as part of the offering. This is a sources sought notice issued for acquisition planning purposes and not a formal solicitation. The solicitation number is 36C26126Q1095, with a response deadline of August 21, 2026, and the NAICS code is 334516. The contracting office is located in Mather, California, but the equipment will be performed and installed at the VA Palo Alto Health Care System in Palo Alto, California. No set-aside is being used, and responses are encouraged from all qualified vendors. Primary point of contact for inquiries is Derek L Brown, reachable via email at Derek.Brown7@va.gov or phone at 650-849-1904. Additional details and submission guidelines can be accessed through the SAM.gov link provided.