65--Biomechanical Tissue characterization System

DESCRIPTION: The VA Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System (NWIHCS) intends to negotiate a commercial (FAR Part 12) sole source contract with Surgical Research Laboratory, Inc., PO Box 330549, Nashville, TN 37203-7504, under the authority of FAR 13.106(b) Soliciting from a single source. The particular item, BTC-2000, was specified in a grant proposal and approved following grant review. Only one responsible manufacturer is known for this procurement. This is notice of intent to award sole source under statutory authority 10 USC 2304(c)(1), set forth in Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1, Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements. Note - No award will be issued from responses to this notice. Response to this notice does not legally bind the government in any manner. Your concerns will be considered if you respond to this posting with a similar product/service. The justification for this sole source request is based on technical requirements that can only be provided by the BTC-2000. This device is the only one capable of including the dermis in skin measurements (producing a vertical displacement of 2.5 cm) and uses a target laser to improve the system's resolution (3 micrometers), as well as other unique features. Surgical Research Laboratory, Inc. is the only contractor able to provide a device capable of performing the results need for the NWIHCS research study. All quotes received by 2:00 P.M. Central Time, Sept. 28, 2011, will be considered by the Government. 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. Inquiries will be accepted in writing by mail, email to [email protected], or by facsimile at (402) 449-0612.