Intent to Secure Sole Source

The VA Mid-Atlantic Healthcare Region (VISN6) Central Acquisition Service intends to procure sole source with Kay Elemetric Corporation for a Digital Swallowing Workstation for the VA Medical Center, Salisbury, NC. Kay's Digital Swallowing Workstation, Model 7200, is a unique combination of three different dysphagia monitoring and evaluating devices which have been integrated into a single system to provide clinicians with a superior tool for evaluating swallowing function. It allows the clinician and patient to monitor these swallowing processes in real time, thus providing valuable biofeedback necessary for therapy. The Workstation consists of three distinct modules: the Swallowing Signals Lab, the Computerized Swallowing Video (Fluoro) Analysis module, and the Fiber optic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) system. Each of the Workstation modules can function independently or can be used together as an integrated system. The Swallowing Workstation would allow the patient to see the FEES video and the respiration signal simultaneously, and in real time, a feature not available on other models. The Swallowing Signals component integrates a variety of physiologic signals for monitoring swallowing events. It includes the necessary hardware and transducers to perform dual-channel surface EMG, respiration signal, multi-channel tongue array, acoustic signal, and two auxiliary channels. The main component of the third module of the Swallowing Workstation consists of custom designed software for the study of swallowing exams. A special feature of this module provides clinicians and researchers with the ability to quickly correlate findings in the video fluoroscopic examination with signals acquired in the Swallowing Signals Lab with precise (frame-specific) accuracy. It allows the Signals to be displayed simultaneously with the FEES or video fluoroscopic examination. NAICS code 334510 applies to this procurement. The proposed contract action is for supplies or services for which the Government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source under the authority of FAR 6.302. Interested persons may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement or submit quotations. This notice of intent is not a request for quotations. Interested parties that believe they can meet these needs must supply information about their capabilities no later than 4:30pm EST, September 9, 2003. All information shall be furnished at no cost or obligation to the Government. This award will be made using simplified acquisition procedures. No solicitation will be made available. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. The anticipated award date is September 10, 2003. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed contract based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Telephone or faxed inquiries will not be accepted.