6910--Cataract Training Equipment - IC - 05/22/2026 - 09/19/2026

The Department of Veterans Affairs, through the Network Contracting Office 23 in Saint Paul, Minnesota, awarded a firm-fixed-price contract for cataract training equipment under the NAICS code 339113, identifying it as a sole-source acquisition under FAR 12.4 due to only one responsible source being available. The contract, identified by solicitation number 36C26326Q0610 and award number 36C26326P0469, was issued on May 4, 2026, with award finalized on May 19, 2026, and has a performance period of 120 days from award, ending on September 19, 2026. Delivery is required FOB destination to the Iowa City VA Health Care System, and the contract covers 22 distinct surgical simulation systems, including the HS SIMULATION EYESI SURGICAL CATARACT SYSTEM 36M and multiple other advanced simulator platforms, though specific unit and total contract values are not provided. The contracting officer, Dennis Salmonsen, is responsible for administration, with payment processed electronically via the Tungsten Network platform using VA’s Electronic Invoice Presentment and Payment System, and no paper invoicing is permitted. All equipment must be delivered with tamper-evident packaging and chain-of-custody documentation under VAAR 852.247-73, and the contractor must comply with stringent security and cybersecurity requirements, including VA Directive 0710, NISPOM, FIPS 199/200, NIST CSF, and HIPAA for handling electronic protected health information. Contractors and subcontractors are required to maintain U.S.-based operations, prohibit the use of covered telecommunications equipment, and ensure all delivered software is virus-free. The contract incorporates critical clauses including 52.240-91 (security prohibitions), 52.212-71 (gray market and counterfeit items), and 52.232-72 (electronic payment submission), with the contractor fully accountable for compliance and subject to audit, verification, and liquidated damages in the event of a data breach. Offerors were required to submit proposals with pricing in Volume One and administrative documents, including a completed SF-1449, in Volume Two, all delivered electronically to the designated email by the prescribed deadline, with no