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

2026-11-03

DESCRIPTION THIS 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 The Department of Veterans Affairs ( VA ) has identified Alcon UNITYÂ ® 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 . These functions are critical to meeting Veteran care needs because : Timeliness and Efficiency : Feature : UNITYÂ ® combines phacoemulsification , anterior vitrectomy , posterior vitrectomy , and laser photocoagulation in one integrated platform . Eliminates the need to swap machines mid - procedure , reducing operating room time and infection risk . Setup and Workflow : Feature : UNITYÂ ® offers single - step prime / test , reduces vitreoretinal connections from 8 to 4 , and eliminates clean cycle at teardown ( 25 sec ). Faster setup and teardown , fewer tubing connections , and single - step priming simplify processes for scrub technicians and nurses essential in busy VA surgical environments . Clinical Outcomes : Feature : Intelligent Fluidics with real - time pressure / flow control and Intelligent IOP sensing ; UNITYÂ ® 4D Phaco delivers ~ 2Ã — faster nucleus removal with ~ 41 % less energy ; HyperVit dual - blade vitrector operates at 30 , 000 cpm for efficient vitreous removal . Real - time fluidics and IOP stability reduce intraoperative complications , while advanced phaco and high - speed vitrectomy improve recovery and visual outcomes . Space and Resource Optimization : Feature : UNITYÂ ® consolidates two separate machines ( phaco and vitrectomy ) into one platform , freeing OR space and reducing storage needs . One integrated system reduces equipment footprint and storage requirements , supporting high - volume ophthalmology clinics . While Alcon UNITYÂ ® 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 . The anticipated period of performance is for one 12 - month base period with four 12 - month option periods . The 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 . Submissions 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 . This 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 . The 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 . Salient Characteristics : The 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 . SC # Salient Characteristic ( Minimum Requirement ) Method of Evaluation SC - 1 Integrated 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 . Literature Review SC - 2 High - speed dual - blade vitrectomy probe capable of 30 , 000 cuts / minute ( cpm ), designed to minimize tractional forces and improve vitreous removal efficiency . Literature Review SC - 3 Advanced phacoemulsification modality that reduces ultrasound energy delivered into the eye while increasing nucleus removal efficiency compared to conventional torsional phaco systems . Literature Review SC - 4 Multi - spot illuminated endolaser capability , allowing simultaneous delivery of 1 4 laser spots for retinal photocoagulation to reduce total application time . Literature Review SC - 5 Integrated gas delivery system providing precise gas - to - air mixture ratios for tamponade agents , reducing manual mixing variability and waste . Literature Review SC - 6 System - 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 . Literature Review RESPONSE INSTRUCTIONS Responses to this Sources Sought Notice shall include the following : Full name and address of company . SAM Unique Entity Identifier ( UEI ). Business Size . Manufacturer or Distributor : If distributor , provide full name , business size and address of manufacturer . If distributor , provide evidence that your firm is an authorized distributor for the manufacturer of the products proposed . Country of Origin designation for all products proposed . Ability to provide uninterrupted supply of products on a national scale . Technical 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 . Does respondent offer an annual service plan , Yes or No ? If Yes : What does the plan cover ? Does plan cover software updates only ? Does the plan cover parts repair or replacement only ? Does the plan cover both software and parts ? Respondent is requested to provide documentation that shows information on their service plan . Is the service provided by the OEM or a subcontractor ? Any additional product solution or configuration that would be beneficial to the functionality of the product line identified . Item 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 . NOTE : 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 . Does your firm have any subcontracting opportunities for this equipment ? Identify any federal contracts vehicles held by your firm that provides this equipment . Are there any further standards or criteria , to include salient characteristics and subfactors , VA should consider in a procurement action for this equipment ? Are the Government s specifications unduly restrictive ? Any additional information the Government should know prior to issuing a solicitation .

Maryland

2026-05-02