Intent to Make Sole Source Procurement

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Mid-Atlantic Healthcare Region (VISN6) Central Acquisition Service intends to procure a Magnitude MRI Patient Vital Signs Monitoring System from Invivo Research, Inc. This procurement is planned as a sole source award because the system is unique in featuring 5000 Gauss line shielding, which enables monitoring patients in close proximity to MRI machines, a capability not offered by other products. The procurement will be conducted under NAICS code 334510 and follows the authority granted by FAR 6.302 for non-competitive acquisitions. The VA is not soliciting quotations through this notice; rather, parties interested in demonstrating their capability to provide such a system are invited to supply capability information by 11:00 AM EST on February 26, 2003. The contract award is anticipated by February 28, 2003, utilizing simplified acquisition procedures with no solicitation issued. This notice emphasizes that the government retains sole discretion to decide whether to proceed with a competitive procurement based on the information received, and no inquiries by phone or fax will be accepted. Submitting information is voluntary and cost-free for interested parties. The procurement is managed by the Network Contracting Office 6, located in Hampton, Virginia, under solicitation number VA-SNOTE-030219-001. The unique technical requirements and the planned sole source approach highlight the specialized nature of this contract to ensure the VA obtains a vital monitoring system that meets its specific operational needs for MRI patient care.