65--INTRAOCULAR LASER

The VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System intends to negotiate, on a sole source basis, with American Medical Depot, 4380 NW 135th Street, Opa Locka, Florida 33054-4418 for the Selecta II Glaucoma Laser System. This system is a Q-switched 532nd: YAG laser that is used in a procedure called Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT). Cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2001, this new system features a patented technique for performing trabeculoplasty in patients with open-angle glaucoma. It selectively targets pigmented cells and increases fluid output, lowering intraocular pressure. Equipped with a Q-switch the Selecta II produces a 3 nanosecond high-energy beam of light. This beam of light induces the same cell replacement mechanism as traditional argon laser therapy (ALT), but without the burn. The short pulse of the laser does not permit time for heat to spread to other cells. SLT distributes just enough energy to the trabecular meshwork T to target specific melanin-rich cells. This avoids thermal damage and scarring to adjacent non-melanin cells. This Notice of Intent is NOT a request for competitive proposals. Vendors who wish to identify their interest and capability to provide an alternate system which will meet the capabilities and functionality described above may notify the Contracting Officer, in writing, no later than COB August 9, 2007. Such notification must include a complete description of equipment including narrative and capabilities described above. Responses may be sent to [email protected] or mailed to Kathleen Policicchio, Contracting Officer, (04A1-H), VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, 7180 Highland Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15206. Upon receipt of any such notifications, the Contracting Officer will determine whether to conduct a competitive procurement or proceed with sole source negotiations.