Q--Blood

In accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 5.201(b)(1)(i), this is a notice of the West Palm Beach Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center's intent to enter into a sole source contract with Florida's Blood Centers, Inc. to provide continuous blood product delivery services at the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center from October 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011. This action is authorized by FAR 6.302-1: only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. The estimated cost is $150,000. This action is necessary due to a pending competitive procurement for a long-term contract to provide these services, the transition time that may be necessary to allow for a new contractor, and the unacceptability of a lapse in continuous service. The current contract for blood product delivery services is with Florida Blood Centers, Inc. and expires on September 30, 2011. A competitive Federal Supply Schedule procurement is currently in progress to provide a new long-term contract for these services at the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center. The solicitation requires 3 higher level reviews plus a legal review which will demand up to 4 weeks of processing time, not counting an additional 2 to 4 weeks to address any required revisions. An interim contract is necessary to provide continuous service. Due to the need for adequate transition time and procurement evaluation, Florida Blood Centers Inc., the incumbent service provider, is the only possible source for providing these services until the new contract is established. In light of this situation, the currently proposed acquisition is required to avoid an unacceptable break in service. Due to the need for adequate transition time and procurement evaluation, Florida's Blood Centers, Inc., the incumbent service provider, is the only possible source for providing eyeglass dispensary services until the new contract is established. Responses are not being solicited to this notice. Any comments should be submitted by September 30, 2011 to [email protected]. The approved justification document will be posted following contract award.