--It is the Department of Army's intention to award a sole source for services to Steris Corp.

The U.S. Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity plans to award a sole-source purchase order to Steris Corp. for services related to the de-installation, modification, testing, certification, and re-installation of a steam sterilizer originally manufactured by Steris. The sterilizer is currently under warranty by Steris, and any modifications performed by other parties would void this warranty. To ensure safe operation, the sterilizer’s control system must be professionally engineered and configured to safely perform all necessary functions, a requirement Steris has demonstrated prior experience fulfilling. Although this is not a request for proposal, the government invites responsible vendors with the capability to provide similar services that meet or exceed the specified requirements to submit their technical qualifications and pricing by September 15, 2005. The submissions will be used solely to assess the potential for future competitive procurements. The emphasis on maintaining the warranty and guaranteeing the safe operation of the sterilizer’s control systems is a key factor driving the decision to award this contract directly to Steris.