SAM #36C24126Q0667_1

VA seeks information on laboratory cryostat system for Providence VAMC

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Network Contracting Office 1, is seeking information from vendors for a laboratory cryostat system for the Providence VA Medical Center. - Government Buyer: - Department of Veterans Affairs, Network Contracting Office 1 (NCO 1), Contracting Officer (90C) - Product Requested: - Laboratory cryostat system for producing thin, high-quality frozen sections of biological tissue - Intended for histology, Mohs surgery, pathology, and diagnostic applications - Technical Requirements: - Precision microtome mechanism for accurate sectioning - Ultra-low temperature cryochamber for specimen preservation - Rapid specimen-freezing capability - Automated specimen retraction - Integrated user interface (touchscreen or similar) - Multiple freezing stations for simultaneous specimen processing - Ergonomic and safety features, including frost minimization and surface disinfection technology (preferred) - Minimum one-year warranty covering parts and labor - Vendor Response Requirements: - Provide product specifications and technical literature - Delivery lead time - Installation and training services - Warranty terms - Country of manufacture (preference for U.S.-made products) - Past performance information - No specific OEMs, brands, part numbers, or purchase quantities are mentioned - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Preference for domestically manufactured items - Optional built-in surface disinfection technology - Comprehensive warranty and support expectations

Description

1. Purpose This is a Sources Sought Notice issued solely for market research purposes. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Regional Procurement Office East, Network Contracting Office 1, is seeking information from vendors capable of providing a laboratory cryostat system that meets the minimum technical requirements described below. This notice does not constitute a solicitation and does not commit the Government to issue a solicitation or make an award.  

2. Minimum Requirement – Salient Characteristics

The VA requires a cryostat system designed for producing thin, high‑quality frozen sections of biological tissue used in histology, Mohs surgery, pathology, and other diagnostic applications. Vendors must be able to provide equipment that meets all of the following salient characteristics:

A. Frozen Sectioning Performance

Capable of producing thin, consistent, high‑quality frozen tissue sections suitable for diagnostic microscopic examination. Must maintain uniform section thickness with minimal artifacts or surface defects. Must include a precision microtome mechanism that provides accurate trimming and sectioning control.

B. Temperature Control & Freezing

Must maintain a stable, ultra‑low‑temperature cryochamber for freezing biological tissues. Must provide rapid specimen‑freezing capability to support time‑sensitive diagnostic workflows. System must support reliable freezing that preserves cellular structures, morphology, and tissue integrity.

C. Operational & Workflow Requirements

Must include automated specimen retraction or equivalent safety‑enhancing functionality. Must include an integrated user interface such as a touchscreen or comparable control platform that enables hands‑off operation of key system functions. Must incorporate features to minimize frost accumulation and improve operator ergonomics during routine use. Must support efficient sectioning workflows suitable for environments requiring high throughput.

D. Capacity

Must include multiple freezing stations that allow preparation and freezing of multiple specimens. Freezing stations must support consistent and repeatable results, enabling streamlined laboratory workflows.

E. Safety & Optional Features

Must be designed to reduce repetitive motion strain and improve operator safety. Optional availability of built‑in surface disinfection technology (such as UV or equivalent) is preferred but not required.

F. Warranty

Equipment must include a minimum one‑year warranty covering parts and labor.

3. Domestic Manufacturing Preference

The VA has a preference for domestically manufactured items, when available. Respondents must indicate:

Whether the proposed end product is manufactured in the United States. If not, provide the country of origin.

4. Requested Information From Respondents

Interested vendors must submit the following:

Company name, address, SAM UEI, and point of contact Business size and socioeconomic classification Product specifications demonstrating capability to meet all salient characteristics listed Technical literature describing the proposed equipment Delivery lead time Information on available installation and training services Warranty terms Country where the end product is manufactured Any federal supply schedule or contract vehicles held Past performance providing similar laboratory or diagnostic equipment

5. Place of Performance

Providence VA Medical Center 830 Chalkstone Avenue Providence, RI 02908

6. Submission Instructions

All responses shall be submitted electronically to: Dewan.Britton@va.gov

Subject line: Sources Sought – Cryostat System 36C24126Q0667

7. Disclaimer

This notice is for market research purposes only. It is not a solicitation and does not obligate the Government to make an award. No contract will be awarded based solely on responses to this notice. The Government will not reimburse costs associated with responding.

View original listing