6835--BULK OXYGEN - Bridge

This Special Notice of Intent (NOI) is not a request for competitive proposals.  This is not a solicitation or request for offers.  The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Loma Linda Healthcare System (LLHCS), intends to award a delivery order on a sole source basis to the incumbent RCG of North Carolina, LLC for the provision of bulk medical oxygen, including delivery, rental of the main storage tank, and rental of the backup tank. The previous contract option period was not exercised within the required timeframe, resulting in the facility relying on short term, month to month purchase orders to prevent disruption of service. Bulk medical oxygen is mission critical for patient care, life sustaining equipment, and overall hospital operations. Any lapse in supply would pose unacceptable risks to patient safety. This bridge acquisition is required to maintain uninterrupted oxygen delivery while the Department completes the necessary acquisition documentation and conducts competitive procurement for a long term follow on contract. This action is being taken pursuant to FAR 13.106 1(b), which permits sole source awards when the contracting officer determines that only one source is reasonably available. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this requirement is 325120. The Product Service Code (PSC) is 6835. Any response to this notice must show clear and convincing evidence that competition would be advantageous to the Government. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct competitive procurement.  A decision by the Government not to conduct competitive procurement for the proposed order based upon response to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. All inquiries shall be submitted via email to Anthony.delacruz@va.gov.