NOTICE OF INTENT TO NEGOTIATE A SOLE SOURCE CONTRACT WITH ROCHE DIAGNOSTICS CORPORATION

The Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center plans to negotiate exclusively with Roche Diagnostics Corporation for the loan of equipment and purchase of reagents related to the COBAS TaqMan 48 Analyzer, which will be used for Hepatitis C and Hepatitis B viral load testing. This contract action is a sole source procurement under FAR 6.302-1, meaning the Government believes only Roche Diagnostics can provide the necessary supplies and services to meet its requirements. The intention is to conduct negotiations without competition, although the Government is open to receiving information by January 13, 2004, that could influence whether the procurement method will remain sole source or become competitive. Responses or information relevant to this procurement should be sent to the Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, with specific attention to Billy J. Cooper. The notice clarifies that this is not a request for competitive quotes, and any decision to forego competition is at the sole discretion of the Contracting Officer. Information submitted will be used only to assess the viability of a competitive procurement. The contracting office managing this action is part of the Department of Veterans Affairs, specifically the 250-NETWORK Contract Office 10, located in Dayton, Ohio.