This is a Sources Sought Notice for the purpose of market research only. This notice is not a solicitation. Responses to this notice will not be evaluated for award. Responses will only be utilized to survey the market place and determine the availability of this service. The Sheridan Wyoming VA Medical Center is issuing this sources sought synopsis as a means of conducting market research to identify parties having an interest in and the resources to support this requirement for a temporary sterile processing technician. The sterile processing technician's duties include, but are not limited to the following: a. ASSEMBLY AND PREPERATION 1) Assemble instruments, complex instrument sets, and other surgical items and kits by selecting the appropriate items, trays, instruments, and arrange them in the correct manner permitting effective sterilization using existing SOPs. 2) Assemble complex instrument sets containing a variety of instruments which must be inspected for damage such as pitting, rust, cracks, bends, sharpness, proper locking ability, jaw alignment, and residual blood bio-burden, etc. 3) Have extensive knowledge of aseptic technique and proper wrapping methods to allow the surgical or procedure user to open the product in an aseptic manner. The contractor shall produce an aesthetically organized, compact, logically arranged package, which is within the proper weight limits and is appropriate for assured sterilization. 4) The contractor shall: a. Inspect and select the appropriate wrapping materials and sterilization packaging. b. Use external and internal chemical indicators. c. Label all packages correctly d. Initial all products in accordance with VA regulations and SPS policy and procedures manual 5) Accurately uses and interprets appropriate mechanical, chemical, and biological monitors. Monitors equipment cycles to assure proper operation and outcome. Accurately completes quality control records. 6) Inspect instruments for proper functioning, scissors for sharpness, box locks for tightness, towel clamps and hemostats for proper functioning jaws, rough edges on ring handles, jaws, ratchets and shanks (burrs or nicks). The contractor shall inspect for cleanliness and corrosion. 7) Wear hair covers and inside clothes (scrub attire or gown) at all times, wash hands frequently, enforce proper work, people and air flow. b. STERILIZATION: 1) Efficiently schedule operation of sterilizers to permit cooling or sterilized items prior to use by units, and clinics. 2) Select the correct sterilizing method according to the material being processed and manufacturer's guidelines. 3) Prepare test packs and run biological indicators in accordance with The Joint Commission (TJC) and ANSI/AAMI ST 79. 4) Label all sterilized items with load control numbers and expiration date. The contractor shall inspect chemical indicators on each package for indication of exposure to the sterilant and inspect all products for package integrity and residual moisture. External indicator tapes will be initialed prior to submitting for sterilization to identify the preparer if necessary. 5) Review and sign all sterilizer printouts to verify the proper sterilization time, temperature, pressure, humidity, and sterilant exposure. The contractor shall record all items sterilized for VA maintenance record for three years 6) Assemble and load operating room supplies on shelves and carts according to schedules and sterilization guidelines. The contractor shall fill special emergency requests for sterile supplies. The contactor shall monitor performance of sterilizers and aerators with prescribed tests. 7) Record biological spore test results, and in the event of a positive culture, initiate the recall of supplies, notifies supervisor and appropriate individuals in the medical center according to policy. c. SUPPLY AREA: 1) Maintain proper workflow as outlined in the SPS procedure manuals for stocking and rotating supplies in SPS primary and secondary storage areas. The contractor shall perform daily inventory of supply cabinets, storage shelves and carts, and shall replenish to appropriate stock levels based on area of assignment. 2) Helps maintain inventory of disposable and reusable medical devices to meet the routine and emergency needs of staff. Supplies are made available in the proper quantities and in the proper condition for use. Organizes all supplies, handles items as few times as possible, checks for defects, outdates, and soiling. Inspects all clean and sterile medical supplies and devices to insure the product integrity is intact, making sure products sent out for patient care are not compromised. Distributes medical supplies and devices to point of use areas efficiently and accurately. d. EQUIPMENT: 1) Use, clean, and maintain a wide variety of equipment. The contractor shall clean the interior and exterior of sterilizers and aerators, loading carts, delivery carts, specialty carts, work areas, storage shelves, using chemical solutions, detergents and alcohol according to written instructions for use, following established schedule and as needed to prevent cross contamination. e. DECONTAMINATION ACTIVITIES: 1) Collects reusable items and transports them in a manner that prevents cross contamination. Appropriate PPE is worn at all time. Cleans, disinfects, decontaminates, and processes all soiled items in a manner that prevents damage to the item, and renders the items safe for handling according to manufacturer's instructions for use. 2) Operates all decontamination equipment effectively and safely. The result of this market research will contribute to determining the method of procurement. The applicable North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code assigned to this procurement is 561320. THERE IS NO SOLICITATION AT THIS TIME. This request for capability information does not constitute a request for proposals; submission of any information in response to this market survey is purely voluntary; the government assumes no financial responsibility for any costs incurred. The government will evaluate market information to ascertain the potential market capacity. If your organization has the potential capacity to perform these contract services, please provide the following information: 1) Organization name, address, email address, Web site address, telephone number, and size and type of ownership for the organization; and 2) Tailored capability statements addressing the particulars of this effort, with appropriate documentation supporting claims of organizational and staff capability. If significant subcontracting or teaming is anticipated in order to deliver technical capability, organizations should address the administrative and management structure of such arrangements. Please provide documentation of the size of your business. If you are classified as a small business, Historically Underutilized Business Zone small business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business, Woman-Owned Small Business and/or SBA 8(a) certified small business, please provide a capability statement in addition to the other information for acquisition strategy determination. BASED ON THE RESPONSES TO THIS SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE/MARKET RESEARCH, THIS REQUIREMENT MAY BE SET-ASIDE FOR SMALL BUSINESSES OR PROCURED THROUGH FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION, and multiple awards MAY be made. Telephone inquiries will not be accepted or acknowledged, and no feedback or evaluations will be provided to companies regarding their submissions. Submission Instructions: Interested parties who consider themselves qualified to perform the above-listed services are invited to submit a response to this Sources Sought Notice by July 19, 2013 at 12:00 PM MST. All responses under this Sources Sought Notice must be emailed to
[email protected] If you have any questions concerning this opportunity please contact: Adina Torberntsson at (303) 603-3268.