65--Notice of Intent to Award Sole Source Contract Arjo Maxi Ski Ceiling Mounted Patient Lifts

The Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Medical Center, Tacoma, WA intends to negotiate a commercial (FAR Part 12) Sole Source contract under the authority of FAR 6.302-1. The VA intends to award a contract to Arjo for Maxi Ski Ceiling Mounted Patients Lifts. The Lifts are standardized to the existing Arjo Patient Lift Systems currently in use at both Campuses of the VA Puget Sound Healthcare System. It is the intent of the VA Puget Sound Healthcare System to standardize with a single type of patient lift for Life/Safety of both patients and staff. In emergent patient transfers involving patient lifts, staff must have complete and intimate familiarity with sling functions and lift controls. In addition, switching to a different product would entail retraining Nursing and Biomedical Staff and re-tooling the Biomedical Support Staff for maintenance of a separate system, which would introduce unacceptable inefficiencies and expenses and would not be in the government's best interest. A justification for other than full and open competition is prepared in support of this acquisition. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE QUOTATIONS. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed contract based on responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. Applicable NAICS code is 423450. Inquiries will only be accepted in writing by e-mails addressed to [email protected] or by phone at 253.583.2169. Responses will be accepted no later than 4:30 PM (EST) on April 27, 2009.