The Department of Veterans Affairs, VISN 01, is issuing a combined synopsis/solicitation (RFQ 36C24126Q0055) for the procurement of brand-name only Leica Microsystems anatomic pathology instruments and accessories. The solicitation, prepared under FAR subpart 12.2, seeks quotes for specific items like the HistoCore Pegasus Tissue Processor, Arcadia C Cold Plate, and Autocut Microtome for delivery to VAMC Boston (West Roxbury, MA) and VAMC Togus (August, ME). The NAICS code is 334516, and the PSC is 6640. Responses are due by December 5, 2025, at 11:00 AM Eastern Time and should be emailed to Kim McCarthy at Kim.mccarthy@va.gov. Award will be based on the lowest-priced technically acceptable quote, considering technical/quality, past performance, Veterans involvement, and price. Quoters must include an authorized distributor's letter and accept the solicitation's terms and conditions or list exceptions. Various FAR and VAAR clauses are incorporated by reference, including Buy American Certificate requirements.

This Sources Sought Notice from the Department of Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System is a market research effort to identify potential domestic suppliers for brand-name or equivalent anatomic pathology instruments. This is not a solicitation for proposals, and no contract will be awarded from this notice. The required instruments include Tissue Processors (based on Leica Histocore Pegasus and Sakura Tissue-Tek 6 AI), Autocut Microtomes (Leica Histocore Autocut), Cold Plates (Leica HistoCore Arcadia), and Pathology Digital Imaging Systems (SPOT Imaging Grossing Camera), all requiring FDA approval and specific operational and technical features. Interested firms must be registered in SAM, provide company details, performance capability, socio-economic status, and place of manufacture. The government prioritizes domestic end products meeting salient characteristics. Submissions are for informational purposes only, and respondents will not be notified of results.

The Department of Veterans Affairs, Network Contracting Office 01, has issued a Justification for Single Source Award for the acquisition of Anatomic Pathology Instruments from Leica Microsystems Inc. This acquisition, identified by ID# 36C241-26-AP-0548, includes a HistoCore Pegasus Tissue Processor, HistoCore Arcadia C Cold Plates, and HistoCore Autocut Microtomes. The justification is based on the unique characteristics of Leica equipment, which are essential for compatibility with existing VA histology laboratory instrumentation. This ensures accurate and consistent results, minimizes delays in patient care, and maintains patient safety through features like integrated i-Scan technology and advanced fume control. Market research confirmed Leica Microsystems as the sole manufacturer, with Government Scientific Source as their small business distributor to the Federal Government. A sources sought notice on Sam.gov for brand-name-or-equal products only yielded a response from Government Scientific Source for Leica products.