The 10th Mission Support Group, Directorate of Contracting, United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) Colorado has received a Brand Name Only justification for the purchase of two Steris V-PRO 1 sterilizers, part number VP10002101. This includes delivery and installation of both units and an initial stock of supplies needed to run the units. This notice document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2005-30, 17 Feb 09. The North America Industry Classification System Code [NAICS] is 423450 and the size standard is 100 employees. Steris is the only manufacturer that will meet the needs of the USAFA for the following reasons: The equipment will be used several times daily to accommodate approximately 400-500 surgical cases a year. This equates to 150-180 sterilization cycles per month. The Steris model has a 4.8 cubic foot capacity where other costlier units only offer a 2.9 cubic foot capacity. This larger size accommodates more instrumentation over a shorter period of time. The Steris unit utilizes one hydrogen peroxide cassette every 15 loads resulting in a costs savings to the government over less efficient sterilizers. The Steris units have unmatched built-in safety features. The Steris hydrogen peroxide cassette is packaged with two protective membranes virtually eliminating the possibility for staff exposure to toxic chemicals. The Steris unit also has a built-in bar code reader which ensures that expired sterillant is never used. This is a very valuable feature as contamination of a sterilizer load may not detected until after the failed load of instruments has already been used. Purchase of the Steris units will eliminate one service warranty agreement resulting in additional savings to the government. The new sterilizers will be added to an existing service and repair contract with Steris after the initial warranty expires. Delivery is to be made to the 10 th Medical Group at the U.S. Air Force Academy, CO FOB: Destination This synopsis is for notification purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation for bids or proposals. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. A determination not to compete this proposed procurement based on response to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. All qualified sources may submit a response, which if timely received, will be considered by this agency. Responses need to provide evidence the offeror can provide the required products or an equal that meets all of the features and functions of the Steris V-PRO 1 sterilizer, part number VP10002101 . Responses must be received NLT 12:00PM (MDT) on 3 April 09. Responses received after this will be considered late IAW FAR 52.212-1(f) and will not be evaluated. The Government does not intend to pay for any information provided under this synopsis. Contractors must have a current registration with the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) at http://www.ccr.gov and with Online Representations and Certifications Application (ORCA) at http://orca.bpn.gov . Questions should be addressed to Nicole Allen, Contract Specialist, USAF Academy (719) 333-3587 or sent via e-mail to
[email protected] . 5352.201-9101 OMBUDSMAN (AUG 2005) (a) An ombudsman has been appointed to hear and facilitate the resolution of concerns from offerors, potential offerors, and others for this acquisition. When requested, the ombudsman will maintain strict confidentiality as to the source of the concern. The existence of the ombudsman does not affect the authority of the program manager, contracting officer, or source selection official. Further, the ombudsman does not participate in the evaluation of proposals, the source selection process, or the adjudication of protests or formal contract disputes. The ombudsman may refer the party to another official who can resolve the concern. (b) Before consulting with an ombudsman, interested parties must first address their concerns, issues, disagreements, and/or recommendations to the contracting officer for resolution. Consulting an ombudsman does not alter or postpone the timelines for any other processes (e.g., agency level bid protests, GAO bid protests, requests for debriefings, employee-employer actions, contests of OMB Circular A-76 competition performance decisions). (c) If resolution cannot be made by the contracting officer, concerned parties may contact the USAF Academy Ombudsmen, Kelly Snyder 8110 Industrial Drive, Ste 103 USAFA, CO 80840 Telephone number 719-333-2074 FAX 719-333-9018 email:
[email protected] Concerns, issues, disagreements, and recommendations that cannot be resolved at the MAJCOM/DRU level, may be brought by the concerned party for further consideration to the Air Force ombudsman, Associate Deputy Assistant Secretary (ADAS) (Contracting), SAF/AQC, 1060 Air Force Pentagon, Washington DC 20330-1060, phone number (703) 588-7004, facsimile number (703) 588-1067. (d) The ombudsman has no authority to render a decision that binds the agency. (e) Do not contact the ombudsman to request copies of the solicitation, verify offer due date, or clarify technical requirements. Such inquiries shall be directed to the Contracting Officer.