R--Intent to Sole Source Fed-Ex Mailing (508-15-1-456-0002)

The Department of Veterans Affairs, through the VISN 7 Network Contracting Activity, intends to award a sole source, firm fixed price contract to Federal Express (FedEx) for lab sample mailing services at the Atlanta VA Medical Health Care System located in Decatur, Georgia. The contract covers the period from November 1, 2014, through October 31, 2015, and is governed under NAICS code 517919. The sole source determination is based on VA Directive 7179, which mandates the use of the Federal Strategic Sourcing Initiative for domestic delivery services, expressly requiring Federal Express for this type of service. This ensures continuity and compliance with statutory regulations that restrict competition in this specific case, as FedEx is the only authorized vendor that handles these proprietary mailing services without intermediaries. No solicitation package is available for this contract, and the notice explicitly states that this intention is not a request for competitive quotes or offers, emphasizing that only FedEx is expected to fulfill the requirement. The decision to forego competition lies solely with the government, adhering to established federal policies. This sole source award highlights the exclusive relationship between the VA and Federal Express for the secure and timely transportation of lab samples critical to patient care within the Atlanta VA Medical Center.