BLOOD PRODUCTS

The Department of Veterans Affairs Healthcare Network Upstate New York, including several medical centers in Albany, Bath, Syracuse, Canandaigua, and Buffalo, is initiating a procurement process with the American Red Cross for the supply of whole blood, red cells, and other blood components. This solicitation is directed exclusively to the American Red Cross under a non-competitive authority as stipulated by FAR Part 6.302. However, other interested parties are invited to submit written notifications of interest by August 31, 2004, including relevant descriptive literature and specifications to the Contracting Officer at the Stratton VA Medical Center in Albany. The information provided by these parties will be used to determine whether a competitive procurement is warranted, though the Government retains full discretion over this decision. The contract action, identified under solicitation number VA-SNOTE-040812-003, is managed by the Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contract Office at Albany, NY. The request aims to ensure a reliable supply of blood products for the VA Healthcare Network facilities in Upstate New York. Notifications from interested suppliers must be sent promptly to facilitate the Government’s assessment, but the initial intent is to negotiate solely with the American Red Cross. This approach ensures continuity and readiness in blood product availability for the VA medical centers serving veterans in this region.