6540--NX EQ Vitreoretinal Cataract System (VA-26-00044951)

Description

{"description":"DESCRIPTION\nTHIS IS A SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE ONLY. This is not a solicitation for bids, proposals, proposal abstracts, or quotations. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Strategic Acquisition Center (SAC) is issuing this Sources Sought Notice as a means of conducting market research to identify qualified sources with the capability and the resources to meet the Veterans Health Administration s (VHA) Non-Expendable Equipment National Program requirement for Vitreoretinal Cataract Systems\n\nThe Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has identified Alcon UNITY® Vitreoretinal Cataract System as the only known system that meets the Government s minimum requirements for an integrated platform capable of performing both cataract (phacoemulsification) and vitreoretinal (posterior segment) surgeries, with optional laser photocoagulation, in a single console.\n\nThese functions are critical to meeting Veteran care needs because:\n\nTimeliness and Efficiency:\n\nFeature: UNITY® combines phacoemulsification, anterior vitrectomy, posterior vitrectomy, and laser photocoagulation in one integrated platform.\n\nEliminates the need to swap machines mid-procedure, reducing operating room time and infection risk.\n\nSetup and Workflow:\n\nFeature: UNITY® offers single-step prime/test, reduces vitreoretinal connections from 8 to 4, and eliminates clean cycle at teardown (25 sec).\n\nFaster setup and teardown, fewer tubing connections, and single-step priming simplify processes for scrub technicians and nurses essential in busy VA surgical environments.\n\nClinical Outcomes:\n\nFeature: Intelligent Fluidics with real-time pressure/flow control and Intelligent IOP sensing; UNITY® 4D Phaco delivers ~2× faster nucleus removal with ~41% less energy; HyperVit dual-blade vitrector operates at 30,000 cpm for efficient vitreous removal.\n\nReal-time fluidics and IOP stability reduce intraoperative complications, while advanced phaco and high-speed vitrectomy improve recovery and visual outcomes.\n\nSpace and Resource Optimization:\n\nFeature: UNITY® consolidates two separate machines (phaco and vitrectomy) into one platform, freeing OR space and reducing storage needs.\n\nOne integrated system reduces equipment footprint and storage requirements, supporting high-volume ophthalmology clinics.\n\nWhile Alcon UNITY® is the only known system meeting these combined capabilities, VA is issuing this Sources Sought to determine whether other manufacturers can provide an equal product that meets the salient characteristics listed below. If no equal products are identified, VA may proceed with a brand-name only acquisition under FAR 6.103-1.\n\nThe anticipated period of performance is for one 12-month base period with four 12-month option periods. \n\nThe associated North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) code for this procurement is 339112 Surgical and Medical Instrument Manufacturing and the associated size standard is 1,000 employees.\n\nSubmissions for this sources sought shall be submitted by email no later than the due date and time listed in the announcement to the contract specialist at cyiamaudia.jones@va.gov and the contacting officer at Anthony.Zibolski@va.gov. Email responses shall include the following Subject Line: Response to Sources Sought Notice 36C10X26Q0073. \n\nThis notice is for planning purposes only and does not constitute a commitment on the part of the Government to award a contract, nor does the Government intend to pay for any information submitted as a result of this notice. This Sources Sought Notice is part of a continuous process for obtaining the latest information on the commercial status of the industry with respect to their current and near-term abilities. \n\nThe information provided herein is subject to change and in no way binds the Government to solicit for, or award, a competitive contract. It is emphasized that this is a notice solely for planning and informational purposes. Respondents are advised that the Government is under no obligation to acknowledge receipt of the information received or provide feedback to respondents with respect to any information submitted. The Government may or may not issue a solicitation as a result of this notice. There is no solicitation available at this time.\n\nSalient Characteristics:\nThe Government requires these characteristics to ensure surgical efficiency, patient safety, and optimal outcomes for Veterans. Combining cataract and vitreoretinal capabilities in one platform reduces intraoperative risk, eliminates equipment swaps mid-procedure, and supports chamber stability. High-speed vitrectomy and energy-efficient phacoemulsification minimize tractional forces and collateral tissue stress. Multi-spot laser capability accelerates panretinal photocoagulation, while integrated gas delivery ensures predictable tamponade outcomes. Illumination and workflow enhancements reduce setup time and improve OR efficiency. These features collectively support improved Veteran outcomes and align with VA s mission to provide safe, high-quality surgical care.\n\n\nSC #\nSalient Characteristic (Minimum Requirement)\nMethod of Evaluation\nSC-1\nIntegrated real-time pressure and flow control across both cataract and vitreoretinal modes, with ability to maintain a stable intraocular pressure (IOP) setpoint during fluidics changes and instrument exchanges.\nLiterature Review\nSC-2\nHigh-speed dual-blade vitrectomy probe capable of 30,000 cuts/minute (cpm), designed to minimize tractional forces and improve vitreous removal efficiency.\nLiterature Review\nSC-3\nAdvanced phacoemulsification modality that reduces ultrasound energy delivered into the eye while increasing nucleus removal efficiency compared to conventional torsional phaco systems.\nLiterature Review\nSC-4\nMulti-spot illuminated endolaser capability, allowing simultaneous delivery of 1 4 laser spots for retinal photocoagulation to reduce total application time.\nLiterature Review\nSC-5\nIntegrated gas delivery system providing precise gas-to-air mixture ratios for tamponade agents, reducing manual mixing variability and waste.\nLiterature Review\nSC-6\nSystem-wide illumination and safety controls, including customizable light profiles, long-life LED sources ( 10,000 hours), automated safety features, and workflow enhancements such as single-step priming and reduced tubing connections.\nLiterature Review\n\nRESPONSE INSTRUCTIONS\n\nResponses to this Sources Sought Notice shall include the following:\n\nFull name and address of company.\nSAM Unique Entity Identifier (UEI).\nBusiness Size.\nManufacturer or Distributor:\nIf distributor, provide full name, business size and address of manufacturer. \nIf distributor, provide evidence that your firm is an authorized distributor for the manufacturer of the products proposed. \nCountry of Origin designation for all products proposed.\nAbility to provide uninterrupted supply of products on a national scale.\nTechnical Literature that clearly shows product(s) meets the exact brand and model identified, or salient characteristics if you re proposing an equal product with page numbers where each salient characteristic is met. \nDoes respondent offer an annual service plan, Yes or No? \nIf Yes:\nWhat does the plan cover?\nDoes plan cover software updates only?\nDoes the plan cover parts repair or replacement only?\nDoes the plan cover both software and parts?\nRespondent is requested to provide documentation that shows information on their service plan.\nIs the service provided by the OEM or a subcontractor?\nAny additional product solution or configuration that would be beneficial to the functionality of the product line identified.\nItem pricing information of products, inclusive of flat rate shipping. Include any quantity discounts, noting at what level of quantity ordered should the Government expect tiered price reductions, if any. \nNOTE: In order for the Contracting Officer to determine whether a set-aside can be pursued, it is essential to provide pricing information. Without this information, the Contracting Officer will be unable to assess whether there is a reasonable expectation of receiving fair and reasonable pricing from socio-economic concerns.\nDoes your firm have any subcontracting opportunities for this equipment?\nIdentify any federal contracts vehicles held by your firm that provides this equipment. \nAre there any further standards or criteria, to include salient characteristics and subfactors, VA should consider in a procurement action for this equipment?\nAre the Government s specifications unduly restrictive?\nAny additional information the Government should know prior to issuing a solicitation. \n\n\n\n\n"} Solicitation Number: 36C10X26Q0073 Type: Sources Sought Base Type: Sources Sought NAICS: 339112 Classification Code: 6540 Response Deadline: 2026-03-05T10:00:00-05:00 Office Address: FREDERICK, MD POC: Anthony Zibolski, Anthony.Zibolski@va.gov, 240-215-0598 {"description":"DESCRIPTION\nTHIS IS A SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE ONLY. This is not a solicitation for bids, proposals, proposal abstracts, or quotations. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Strategic Acquisition Center (SAC) is issuing this Sources Sought Notice as a means of conducting market research to identify qualified sources with the capability and the resources to meet the Veterans Health Administration s (VHA) Non-Expendable Equipment National Program requirement for Vitreoretinal Cataract Systems\n\nThe Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has identified Alcon UNITY® Vitreoretinal Cataract System as the only known system that meets the Government s minimum requirements for an integrated platform capable of performing both cataract (phacoemulsification) and vitreoretinal (posterior segment) surgeries, with optional laser photocoagulation, in a single console.\n\nThese functions are critical to meeting Veteran care needs because:\n\nTimeliness and Efficiency:\n\nFeature: UNITY® combines phacoemulsification, anterior vitrectomy, posterior vitrectomy, and laser photocoagulation in one integrated platform.\n\nEliminates the need to swap machines mid-procedure, reducing operating room time and infection risk.\n\nSetup and Workflow:\n\nFeature: UNITY® offers single-step prime/test, reduces vitreoretinal connections from 8 to 4, and eliminates clean cycle at teardown (25 sec).\n\nFaster setup and teardown, fewer tubing connections, and single-step priming simplify processes for scrub technicians and nurses essential in busy VA surgical environments.\n\nClinical Outcomes:\n\nFeature: Intelligent Fluidics with real-time pressure/flow control and Intelligent IOP sensing; UNITY® 4D Phaco delivers ~2× faster nucleus removal with ~41% less energy; HyperVit dual-blade vitrector operates at 30,000 cpm for efficient vitreous removal.\n\nReal-time fluidics and IOP stability reduce intraoperative complications, while advanced phaco and high-speed vitrectomy improve recovery and visual outcomes.\n\nSpace and Resource Optimization:\n\nFeature: UNITY® consolidates two separate machines (phaco and vitrectomy) into one platform, freeing OR space and reducing storage needs.\n\nOne integrated system reduces equipment footprint and storage requirements, supporting high-volume ophthalmology clinics.\n\nWhile Alcon UNITY® is the only known system meeting these combined capabilities, VA is issuing this Sources Sought to determine whether other manufacturers can provide an equal product that meets the salient characteristics listed below. If no equal products are identified, VA may proceed with a brand-name only acquisition under FAR 6.103-1.\n\nThe anticipated period of performance is for one 12-month base period with four 12-month option periods. \n\nThe associated North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) code for this procurement is 339112 Surgical and Medical Instrument Manufacturing and the associated size standard is 1,000 employees.\n\nSubmissions for this sources sought shall be submitted by email no later than the due date and time listed in the announcement to the contract specialist at cyiamaudia.jones@va.gov and the contacting officer at Anthony.Zibolski@va.gov. Email responses shall include the following Subject Line: Response to Sources Sought Notice 36C10X26Q0073. \n\nThis notice is for planning purposes only and does not constitute a commitment on the part of the Government to award a contract, nor does the Government intend to pay for any information submitted as a result of this notice. This Sources Sought Notice is part of a continuous process for obtaining the latest information on the commercial status of the industry with respect to their current and near-term abilities. \n\nThe information provided herein is subject to change and in no way binds the Government to solicit for, or award, a competitive contract. It is emphasized that this is a notice solely for planning and informational purposes. Respondents are advised that the Government is under no obligation to acknowledge receipt of the information received or provide feedback to respondents with respect to any information submitted. The Government may or may not issue a solicitation as a result of this notice. There is no solicitation available at this time.\n\nSalient Characteristics:\nThe Government requires these characteristics to ensure surgical efficiency, patient safety, and optimal outcomes for Veterans. Combining cataract and vitreoretinal capabilities in one platform reduces intraoperative risk, eliminates equipment swaps mid-procedure, and supports chamber stability. High-speed vitrectomy and energy-efficient phacoemulsification minimize tractional forces and collateral tissue stress. Multi-spot laser capability accelerates panretinal photocoagulation, while integrated gas delivery ensures predictable tamponade outcomes. Illumination and workflow enhancements reduce setup time and improve OR efficiency. These features collectively support improved Veteran outcomes and align with VA s mission to provide safe, high-quality surgical care.\n\n\nSC #\nSalient Characteristic (Minimum Requirement)\nMethod of Evaluation\nSC-1\nIntegrated real-time pressure and flow control across both cataract and vitreoretinal modes, with ability to maintain a stable intraocular pressure (IOP) setpoint during fluidics changes and instrument exchanges.\nLiterature Review\nSC-2\nHigh-speed dual-blade vitrectomy probe capable of 30,000 cuts/minute (cpm), designed to minimize tractional forces and improve vitreous removal efficiency.\nLiterature Review\nSC-3\nAdvanced phacoemulsification modality that reduces ultrasound energy delivered into the eye while increasing nucleus removal efficiency compared to conventional torsional phaco systems.\nLiterature Review\nSC-4\nMulti-spot illuminated endolaser capability, allowing simultaneous delivery of 1 4 laser spots for retinal photocoagulation to reduce total application time.\nLiterature Review\nSC-5\nIntegrated gas delivery system providing precise gas-to-air mixture ratios for tamponade agents, reducing manual mixing variability and waste.\nLiterature Review\nSC-6\nSystem-wide illumination and safety controls, including customizable light profiles, long-life LED sources ( 10,000 hours), automated safety features, and workflow enhancements such as single-step priming and reduced tubing connections.\nLiterature Review\n\nRESPONSE INSTRUCTIONS\n\nResponses to this Sources Sought Notice shall include the following:\n\nFull name and address of company.\nSAM Unique Entity Identifier (UEI).\nBusiness Size.\nManufacturer or Distributor:\nIf distributor, provide full name, business size and address of manufacturer. \nIf distributor, provide evidence that your firm is an authorized distributor for the manufacturer of the products proposed. \nCountry of Origin designation for all products proposed.\nAbility to provide uninterrupted supply of products on a national scale.\nTechnical Literature that clearly shows product(s) meets the exact brand and model identified, or salient characteristics if you re proposing an equal product with page numbers where each salient characteristic is met. \nDoes respondent offer an annual service plan, Yes or No? \nIf Yes:\nWhat does the plan cover?\nDoes plan cover software updates only?\nDoes the plan cover parts repair or replacement only?\nDoes the plan cover both software and parts?\nRespondent is requested to provide documentation that shows information on their service plan.\nIs the service provided by the OEM or a subcontractor?\nAny additional product solution or configuration that would be beneficial to the functionality of the product line identified.\nItem pricing information of products, inclusive of flat rate shipping. Include any quantity discounts, noting at what level of quantity ordered should the Government expect tiered price reductions, if any. \nNOTE: In order for the Contracting Officer to determine whether a set-aside can be pursued, it is essential to provide pricing information. Without this information, the Contracting Officer will be unable to assess whether there is a reasonable expectation of receiving fair and reasonable pricing from socio-economic concerns.\nDoes your firm have any subcontracting opportunities for this equipment?\nIdentify any federal contracts vehicles held by your firm that provides this equipment. \nAre there any further standards or criteria, to include salient characteristics and subfactors, VA should consider in a procurement action for this equipment?\nAre the Government s specifications unduly restrictive?\nAny additional information the Government should know prior to issuing a solicitation. \n\n\n\n\n"}