Intent to Conduct Sole Source Procurement

The VA Mid-Atlantic Healthcare Region (VISN6) Central Acquisition Service intends to procure sole source with Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics for Gel Cards for use in VISN 6 Blood Banks. Test that must be conducted using this gel technology are: donor ABO cell typing confirmation; donor Rh confirmation; patient type and screen; patient ABO type; patient Rh type; patient retypes; antigen types; antibody identification; compatibility test crossmatch; antibody detection (indirect Coombs); and direct antiglobulin (DAT). NAICS code 334510 applies to this procurement. The proposed contract action is for supplies or services for which the Government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source under the authority of FAR 6.302. Interested persons may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement or submit quotations. This notice of intent is not a request for quotations. Interested parties that believe they can meet these needs must supply information about their capabilities no later than 4:30pm EST, September 23, 2003. All information shall be furnished at no cost or obligation to the Government. This award will be made using simplified acquisition procedures. No solicitation will be made available. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. The anticipated award date is September 24, 2003. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed contract based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Telephone or faxed inquiries will not be accepted.