SAM #36C24E26Q0082

VA Columbia Health Care System Market Research for Non-Contact Quantitative Corneal Esthesiometers

The Veterans Health Administration, Columbia Health Care System is seeking information from the market regarding the procurement of two non-contact, quantitative corneal esthesiometer units for preclinical research. - Government Buyer: - Veterans Health Administration (VHA), Columbia Health Care System - Regional Procurement Office East - Products/Services Requested: - Two (2) non-contact, quantitative corneal esthesiometer units - Must be commercially available, standardized, and capable of assessing corneal nerve function using controlled air pulses - Handheld, portable, and optionally mountable on a slit lamp - Integrated Electronic Positioning System (EPS) with camera and infrared LED alignment - Stand-alone operation (no external computer, software, or network required) - No calibration or routine maintenance required - Includes all accessories: battery, charging dock, manuals - Devices must be new and covered by a two-year manufacturer warranty - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Devices must provide true non-contact corneal sensitivity testing with quantitative, multi-level stimulation - Repeatable performance for preclinical research - Installation and IT support are not required - Only authorized distributors of the proposed system are eligible - No specific OEMs or vendors are named in the notice

Description

Summary: This is a Sources Sought notice and not a request for quotes. This request is solely for the purpose of conducting market research to enhance VHA s understanding of the market s offered products, services and capabilities. The Government will not pay any costs for responses submitted in response to this Sources Sought. 

This Sources Sought notice provides an opportunity for respondents to submit their notice of ability, and their available products and services in response to the requirement described below. Vendors are invited to submit information relative to their potential of fulfilling the requirement below, in the form of a capability response that addresses the specific requirement identified in this Sources Sought.  

 The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is seeking a vendor to provide two (2) Corneal Esthesiometer units, a commercially available non-contact, standardized, quantitative device capable of assessing corneal nerve function using controlled air pulses. The devices will enable non-invasive, quantitative assessment of corneal sensitivity in animal models to support the study s scientific goals. This Sources Sought is to facilitate the Contracting Officer s review of the market base, for acquisition planning, size determination, and procurement strategy. 

The Department of Veterans Affairs, Columbia Health Care System, is in need of two (2) non-contact, quantitative corneal esthesiometers and shipment of required equipment (all components that make up this system).

Technical Specifications Salient characteristics of the non-contact, quantitative corneal esthesiometers. All specifications and conditions listed below shall be met in full to be considered. Minimum physical, functional, & performance characteristics: Non-contact, quantitative corneal esthesiometer units Technical Specifications: Provide true non-contact corneal sensitivity testing using precisely controlled air pulse stimuli, not mechanical filaments. Deliver quantitative, standardized multi-level stimulation validated for reproducible corneal nerve assessments. Include an integrated Electronic Positioning System (EPS) consisting of a camera with infrared LED alignment to ensure consistent and correct testing distance on every measurement. Be fully portable and handheld, with optional slit lamp mounting capability. Operate as a stand-alone unit with no external computer, no software, and no network or data transfer interfaces. Require no calibration and no routine maintenance, aside from normal cleaning per manufacturer instructions. Provide repeatable performance sufficient for preclinical research evaluating corneal nerve damage and response to therapeutic interventions. All included accessories: battery, charging dock, manuals, and integrated EPS (Electronic Positioning System). Devices must be provided, new, fully functional, and covered under the manufacturer s two-year warranty. Must be an authorized distributor of the proposed system. 4. Delivery:  Columbia VAMC, 800 Hospital Dr Columbia MO 65201 United States

1. Installation:   Installation is not required.   
2. Information Technology:  IT support requirements are not required for this equipment.   

RESPONSE COMMITMENT  

 I. Response:    A. Capability statement and with general understanding of the industry and current knowledge and subcontract networks that would be used to support the requirement as identified herein. Provide small business information for your company.  B. Submittals furnished will not be returned to the sender. No debriefs will be conducted. Eligibility in participating in a future acquisition does not depend upon a response to this notice.  

 II. Timeline:   A. This request will close on stated date within the Government Point of Entry (GPE).  

 Notes:   This Sources Sought is for planning purposes only to gain knowledge of potential qualified sources and their size classification (large business, small business, 8(a), SDVOSB, etc.), relative to NAICS code 334516. Responses to this sources sought will be used by the Government to make appropriate acquisition decisions. This notice is not a request for competitive proposals; however, any responsible source who believes it is capable of meeting the requirement and who is the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), authorized dealer, authorized distributor or authorized reseller of all the items listed above, may submit a capability statement to the contracting office than no later than Tuesday, August 4, 2026, 16:00 PM EST. Interest/capability statements may be sent to Matenoa Taufa Matenoa.taufa@va.gov. No telephone responses will be accepted. 

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