D--MRSA TESTING EQUIPMENT

Document Type: Pre-Solicitation Notice Solicitation No.: VA-256-07-RP-0185 Classification Code: D - Intent to Sole Source MRSA Testing Equipment NAICS Code: 334519 The South Central VA Health Care Network (VISN 16) intends to procure on a sole source basis from Cepheid, 904 Caribbean Drive, Sunnyvale, CA 94089-1189, delivery of 3 each Item GXTH80001-2 GeneXpert 8 Testing Site Systems, 5 each Item GXTH16001-2 GeneXpert 16 Testing Site Systems and related expendables. This procurement will be accomplished using commercial item procedures and conducted under the authority of FAR 6.302-1, only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. The GeneXpert is the only system that provides an automated solution for continuous surveillance of patients for colonization of antibiotic resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) bacteria that may cause serious hospital infections. This system will provide a needed solution for rapidly identifying and isolating these patients to prevent spread of infections to other patients. This system is also being sought as the best solution for meeting the expectations of the national VA MRSA initiative. Reagent pricing is also being sought through Sept 2008. Individual orders will be place as needed. The NAICS code is 334519 and the small business size standard is 500 employees. To the best of our knowledge, SVI Healthcare is the only firm able to meet the requirements of this procurement. This notice is not a request for competitive quotes; however, any firm that can provide the specified equipment may provide written notification and supporting evidence furnished in sufficient detail to demonstrate their ability to comply with the requirement; to the Contracting Officer within five (5) days from the date of posting of this synopsis. Responses will be examined, however a determination by the VA to compete the proposed procurement based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the VA.